8 Surprising Hydrangea Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

From wedding bouquets to flower beds, hydrangeas are everywhere. One glance and it’s easy to see why we all love the candy-colored flowers of hydrangeas so much. The giant clusters of flowers grace landscapes around the world. There are over 75 different kinds of hydrangeas, with more gorgeous varieties coming out every year. Plus, they’re a pretty hardy plant, growing in Zones 3-7, which is the bulk of the United States. Coast to coast, gardeners pretty much everywhere (except for really hot regions) can enjoy them. But even the most obsessed gardeners just might be surprised by these 8 facts about hydrangeas, and make you love these beautiful plants even more.

1. Meaning Behind the Name

The name hydrangea offers a clue to its specific care needs. Derived from Greek, "hydro" means water and "angos" means jar or vessel, indicating the plant's thirst for plenty of water in order to grow strong and healthy. 

2. Hydrangea Symbolism

The symbolism of hydrangeas varies by culture and era. In Japan, these flowers represent gratitude, as emperors historically gifted them as a token of thanks. During the Victorian Era, however, these flowers symbolized boastfulness due to their plentiful blooms and sparse seed production.

Hydrangea colors also carry specific meanings: 

• Pink signifies love and sincerity 
• Blue conveys forgiveness 
• White symbolizes boasting or bragging 
• Purple stands for abundance and understanding 

3. Discovery of Hydrangeas

While many hydrangeas come from Asia, several species are native to North America, including smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia). The popular 'Annabelle' variety of smooth hydrangea was discovered in 1910 by Harriet Kirkpatrick in Anna, Illinois. Noting its large, white blooms, Harriet planted this flower, and as it gained popularity, she shared it with her neighbors. It was commercially cultivated and named ‘Annabelle’ in 1962 after her hometown.  

4. Hydrangeas Are Poisonous

Hydrangeas contain toxic compounds that release cyanide when they are ingested, posing a danger to children and pets, which is why it's essential to keep these plants out of reach. Despite their toxicity, ancient Buddhists reportedly used hydrangea roots for medicinal purposes, but it's crucial to avoid consuming any part of the plant. 

5. The Flower Color Can Change for Some Hydrangeas

The flower color of bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) can change based on soil pH in the area. By using soil amendments, you can influence their bloom color. More acidic soil yields blue blooms, while more alkaline soil results in pink flowers. This fascinating ability adds a fun element of customization to your garden. 

6. Hydrangea Day

Hydrangea Day is celebrated every year on January 5, highlighting the plant's popularity even during its off-season. Although they aren't in bloom during the winter months, you can enjoy hydrangeas year-round by drying the flowers. Learn how to dry hydrangeas for lasting beauty. 

7. Allergy Safe Flowers

Hydrangeas are ideal for allergy-prone gardeners as their sticky pollen doesn't spread easily in the air. These beautiful flowers are also fragrance-free, making them suitable for individuals who are sensitive to strong scents or prone to headaches. 

8. No Petals

Although hydrangeas appear to contain many petals, these are actually called sepals, which are small protective leaves surrounding the flower bud. Initially green, these sepals transform into the vibrant pinks, purples, and blues that captivate us.