7 Things You Never Knew About Hydrangeas (And Why We Are Obsessed With Them)
If there is one flower that stops people in their tracks, it is the hydrangea. Those big, lush blooms have a way of making any space feel instantly more alive, more romantic, and more beautiful. We carry them year-round at Bloomingmore because our Blooming Enthusiasts simply cannot get enough of them. And honestly, neither can we.
Here are seven things you probably did not know about one of our all-time favorite flowers.
1. Hydrangeas Have Another Name: Hortensia
Did you know hydrangeas are also known as Hortensia? The name comes from the Latin word for garden, and the flower was named in honor of Hortense de Beauharnais, the daughter of Empress Josephine of France. In many European countries, particularly in France, Spain, and Portugal, you will still hear them called Hortensias today. It is a beautiful name for a beautiful flower.
2. They Are One of the Most Versatile Flowers You Can Buy
Hydrangeas are the rare flower that works in almost any setting, any style, and any budget. Dress them up with garden roses and trailing greenery for a lush, romantic wedding centerpiece. Dress them down in a simple mason jar for a casual dinner table. Or use them completely on their own, because here is the secret most people do not know: hydrangea leaves are absolutely stunning. Their large, rich green foliage is so beautiful that you do not need to add a single sprig of extra greenery. One stem, one vase, done. It is effortless elegance at its best.
3. Hydrangeas Have Ancient Roots in Japan
Hydrangeas are believed to have originated in Japan, where they have been cultivated for centuries. Ancient Japanese emperors were known to gift pink hydrangeas to those they admired as a symbol of heartfelt emotion and gratitude. Today they are found on every continent and are especially beloved across Europe and North America, but their story starts in the gardens of Japan.
4. Their Color Is Controlled by Soil Chemistry
Here is the part that blows most people's minds: the color of a hydrangea bloom is directly influenced by the pH level of the soil it grows in. Acidic soil produces blue blooms, alkaline soil produces pink, and neutral soil tends toward white or cream. The key player is aluminum, which the plant absorbs differently depending on soil conditions. This is why you can sometimes see multiple colors on the same plant. At Bloomingmore, we offer hydrangeas in a wide range of colors so you can find exactly the right shade for your event or arrangement.
5. They Are Available All Year Long
One of the best things about hydrangeas as a cut flower is that they are available year-round. No matter the season, whether you are planning a winter wedding, a spring baby shower, a summer garden party, or a fall dinner, you can count on hydrangeas being ready for you. Shop our hydrangea collection any time and get farm-fresh stems delivered straight to your door.
6. One Stem Goes a Long Way
Hydrangeas are one of the best value flowers you can buy for DIY arrangements. A single stem produces a large, full bloom head that can anchor an entire centerpiece on its own. Pair a few stems with some fillers and greens and you have a stunning arrangement without needing dozens of focal flowers. This is why they are a go-to for budget-conscious brides and event planners alike.
7. They Are a Symbol of Heartfelt Emotion
In the language of flowers, hydrangeas represent deep feeling, gratitude, and abundance. They are a meaningful choice for weddings, anniversaries, thank-you gifts, and any occasion where you want to say something that goes beyond words. Their generous, full blooms feel like a warm embrace, which is exactly why so many people reach for them first.
A Special Hydration Tip for Hydrangeas
Here is something that makes hydrangeas unique among cut flowers: they can drink through their bloom as well as through their stem. If your hydrangea heads are looking droopy after arrival, you can gently submerge the entire bloom head in cool water for 20 to 30 minutes to rehydrate it directly. This is a great revival trick that works beautifully.
Important exception: do not submerge painted hydrangeas. Painted varieties will lose their color if the blooms get wet. For painted hydrangeas, stick to stem hydration only and keep the bloom heads dry.
As always, cut the stems at a diagonal angle and place in fresh clean water immediately upon arrival. Keep the corrugated wrap on during the initial hydration period to help support the blooms while the stems draw up water. Change the water every 48 hours and keep your hydrangeas away from direct sunlight, heat vents, and ripening fruit.
Shop Our Hydrangea Collections
We carry farm-fresh hydrangeas available for delivery nationwide at farm-direct prices with no florist license required. Browse our full selection:
Hydrangeas Collection
White Hydrangeas Collection
Hydrangea Petals
Pair them with fillers and greens or garden roses for a truly stunning arrangement. Not sure how many stems you need? Our Wedding Flower Calculator has you covered.
We Are Here to Help
Have questions about your hydrangeas or need help planning your order? Our Blooms Team is available Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm EST by chat and phone. You can also email us anytime. Visit our contact page to reach us.
We love seeing what our Blooming Enthusiasts create! Tag us on Instagram and TikTok, leave us a Google Review, and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube for daily floral inspiration.
Happy Blooming!
Important Safety Note: All Bloomingmore flowers and plants are intended for decorative use only. Our products are not edible and should never be consumed. Many flowers and foliage varieties may be toxic or harmful to people and animals if ingested. Please keep all floral arrangements out of reach of children and pets, and wash your hands after handling. If you have concerns about a specific variety and pet or child safety, we recommend consulting your veterinarian or physician.