Characteristics and Displaying Hydrangeas: A Branch Flower that Blooms in Pale Colors During the Rainy Season

Basic Information about Hydrangeas

Plant Name	Hydrangea
Scientific Name	Hydrangea macrophylla
English Name	Hydrangea
Other Names	Shichidan-ka, Hassen-ka
Family/Genus	Hydrangeaceae / Hydrangea
Classification	Deciduous shrub
Origin	Japan, East Asia
Availability	May-July
Market Volume	★★★★★
Longevity	★☆☆☆☆

*Stars indicate a 5-point scale

Characteristics of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs belonging to the Hydrangea family and genus. Their characteristic feature is that small, light-colored flowers gather together to form one large flower. They are cherished as "flowers that suit the rain" because they bloom in vibrant colors during the rainy season.

It is said that the Gakuajisai, native to Japan, was taken to the West, underwent selective breeding, and was then re-imported as Western Hydrangeas.

Another charm of hydrangeas is that you can enjoy different flower colors such as blue, pink, and purple depending on the soil's acidity.

Their blooming period coincides with the rainy season from May to July, shining even more vividly in the damp rain. They are loved as a flower that heralds the arrival of the rainy season before the full-fledged summer begins.

Hydrangea Flower Meanings

Hydrangea flower meanings include "fickleness," "impermanence," "persevering love," and "family togetherness." Flower meanings are often derived from interesting anecdotes or describe the appearance of the flower itself.

"Fickleness" and "Impermanence"

While these flower meanings may sound negative at first, they originate from the fact that the flower's color changes depending on the soil, resembling a wavering heart.

In particular, the way their colors change over time from the beginning of their bloom is also known as "seven-color transformation" in nature, and is a beloved alternative name for hydrangeas.

These characteristics are what form the flower meanings that symbolize "fickleness."

"Persevering Love"

The flower meaning "persevering love" was given to hydrangeas because they bloom beautifully for a long period.

This flower meaning may symbolize the act of holding onto precious feelings even in difficult situations.

"Family Togetherness"

Many small flowers gather together, making the hydrangea appear like one large flower. This appearance evokes the warmth of a family united, giving rise to the flower meaning "family togetherness."

The flower meanings of hydrangeas are born from their appearance and characteristics, and many of them evoke human bonds and emotions.

How to Display Hydrangeas

When displaying hydrangeas, the key is to make the most of their unique roundness and volume.

Vase shapes that are wide and rounded, or short in height, are recommended. To enjoy the natural spread of hydrangeas, using a vase with a wide opening will help them arrange beautifully.◎

The ideal ratio of vase height to hydrangea stem length is about 1:1.5 to 1:2. This creates a good overall balance and a natural atmosphere.

The soft flower colors and unique texture of hydrangeas bring a sense of healing to any space. Please try displaying them while incorporating a seasonal feel.

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Precautions when arranging in a vase

When arranging flowers in a vase, the first thing to be careful about is to cut the branches to fit the vase if they are too long. If left long, they can become unbalanced or spread out too much, making it difficult to arrange them neatly.

Making a cross-cut in the section of the branch that goes into the water will increase the surface area exposed to water, improving water absorption. Fill the vase with water so that about one-third of the branch is submerged, and change the water frequently.

When making cuts in branches, it is recommended to use pruning shears designed for branches and woody plants. The trick to choosing pruning shears is to select a size that fits your hand.

Toyama Hamono ｜ Pruning Shears for Life, Even Cuts Thick Branches

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Hydrangea Care Tips

By understanding their characteristics and carefully caring for hydrangeas, you can enjoy their beauty for longer. Here, we introduce basic care methods for branches.

Basic Care

1. Recutting on the day of receipt

It is recommended to recut the stems and display them in a vase on the day they arrive. Make a cross-cut in the stem end and peel off the bark to promote water absorption.

Furthermore, using water with a flower food solution will keep the water clean and allow you to enjoy the vivid colors of the flowers for longer.

It's a small effort to enjoy the beauty of branches for a longer time◎

 

2. Choose a comfortable spot for your branches

Branches prefer a cool, well-ventilated spot away from air conditioner drafts.

Whether in the living room, entryway, or kitchen, they have the power to dramatically change the atmosphere of any space. So, choose a place away from direct sunlight where your branches can thrive comfortably.

It's also recommended to display them in quiet and peaceful spaces like bedrooms or washrooms◎

3. Frequent Water Changes

Change the water frequently before it becomes cloudy. At that time, re-cutting the stems will also help them absorb water again.

Removing any sliminess from the stems or cutting them diagonally are small efforts that help maintain their beautiful condition.

But if your branches are still not looking good...

Cut them short and enjoy them in smaller arrangements

Even with daily care, as days pass, it inevitably becomes harder for branches to absorb water. In such cases, it's a good idea to boldly cut them shorter.

Shorter stems absorb water more easily, and arranging them in small vases allows you to enjoy the branches with a fresh perspective.

Hydrangea Trivia

Color changes with soil

Hydrangeas are well-known for their flower color changing depending on the nature of the soil.

In acidic soil, hydrangea roots absorb aluminum, and this chemical reaction results in blue flowers. Conversely, in alkaline or neutral soil, aluminum is difficult to dissolve, leading to pink or red flowers.

The reason for this color change is the pigment "anthocyanin" that hydrangeas possess, which has the property of turning blue when combined with aluminum.

Japan is rainy, and acidic soil is naturally easy to form. That's why blue-purple hydrangeas are often seen here.

Hydrangeas named by Siebold

Siebold came to Japan in 1823 as a doctor for the Dutch trading post in Dejima and was deeply fascinated by Japanese plants.

Among them, he named a particularly beautiful hydrangea after his lover, Kusumoto Taki (O-Taki-san). He named the flower "Hydrangea otaksa" and introduced it to the West.

Although the name "Otaksa" was formally invalidated academically, the story of their love is still told in Nagasaki and other places, and hydrangeas are actually known as "Otaksa" or "O-Taki-san-bana."

This episode is deeply rooted in Nagasaki's culture, and there is even an "Nagasaki Otaksa Festival" held for hydrangeas.

Hydrangea Summary

Hydrangeas are cherished as "flowers that suit the rain" because they bloom in vibrant colors during the rainy season. Their characteristic round flower heads and the volume created by the gathering of small flowers give them a somewhat endearing charm.

They also have the characteristic of changing color to blue in acidic soil and red in alkaline soil.

Their flower meanings include "fickleness," "impermanence," "persevering love," and "family togetherness," expressing human bonds and warm sentiments imagined from their color changes and appearance.

Hydrangeas are beloved as plants that herald the arrival of summer a little early during the rainy season. Why not display fresh hydrangea branches with their delicate, refreshing colors to brighten up the damp atmosphere?◎

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