Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Garden hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is one of the most popular ornamental plants right next to the rose. Hydrangea is a shrub of the hydrangea family, which is hardly found growing wild. This Asian flower is grown in gardens all over the world, prized for its large, colorful inflorescences that decorate flowerbeds until late autumn. Dried hydrangea is great for dried flower bouquets, crafts and decorating art cakes.

Hydrangea - plant characteristics

Hydrangea shrubs reach up to 1.5m in height. Its dark green and oval-shaped leaves are densely distributed on the stem. The most showy part, i.e. the flowers of the garden hydrangea, are gathered in very decorative, convex and dense umbels. Depending on the variety, they are spherical or conical in shape. Flowers even after drying up sensationally decorate flowerbeds. Most often we find hydrangea in white, pink and blue. Interestingly, we ourselves can influence the color of the hydrangea by affecting the ph of the soil. We will get blue, purple flowers on acidic soil, and pink flowers on alkaline soil. This does not apply to all varieties.

Hydrangea - occurance & cultivation

The garden hydrangea is native to eastern and southern Asia, more specifically to the region of China, Japan, Korea. It is practically no longer found in the wild. Hydrangea has spread throughout the world as an ornamental plant, which is most often found in gardens. The shrubs have quite high requirements for cultivation and are not among the easiest to maintain. Hydrangea grows best in fertile, humus soils. From the Latin - Hydrangea - the name hydrangea means water bush, which refers to the high need for water for proper growth. Hydrangea feels best in partial shade, but blooms most abundantly in a sunny position. Hydrangea bushes can be pruned to achieve the desired shape. The plant is not frost hardy.

Hydrangea - ways to use

Hydrangea can be met primarily in gardens as an ornamental plant. It looks beautifully planted in groups of several planted, which, when grown, form a lush carpet of spherical flowers. Hydrangea bushes are dominant in the landscape, so they are rarely found with other plants. They can act as a hedge.

Not only garden lovers are fond of hydrangea - its flowers are readily used by florists in compositions and bouquets. Exceptionally often it is chosen for wedding arrangements, which look stunning. Its size makes it the dominant decoration, the other plants are just an accessory. In order to enjoy the hydrangea as long as possible it is subjected to stabilization or drying processes. Stabilized hydrangea can be used in dried flower bouquets, cake decorations or dried flowers in a frame. You can find dried hydrangea in pressed flower sets.