The Original Hydrangea: A History Of This Stunning Flower

Hydrangeas are some of the most popular flowers in the world, known for their large, colorful blooms. But did you know that the original hydrangea is actually quite different from the hydrangeas you see in gardens today?

In this blog post, we'll take a look at the history of the hydrangea, from its origins in Asia to its current popularity around the world. We'll also discuss the different types of hydrangeas, their symbolism, and how to care for them.

Origins of the Hydrangea

The hydrangea is native to Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The earliest known hydrangea fossils date back to the Paleogene period, over 23 million years ago.

The first hydrangeas were likely cultivated in China and Japan. In Japanese, hydrangeas are called "ajisai," and they are often associated with the rainy season. The Japanese also have a number of legends and stories about hydrangeas, including one about a Japanese emperor who gifted blue hydrangeas to the family of a girl he loved.

Hydrangeas were introduced to Europe in the 18th century, and they quickly became popular among gardeners. In the 19th century, hydrangeas were introduced to North America, where they also became popular.

Different Types of Hydrangeas

There are over 70 species of hydrangeas, and they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some of the most common types of hydrangeas include:

• Hortensia macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea): This is the most common type of hydrangea, and it is known for its large, showy blooms. Bigleaf hydrangeas can be either blue or pink, depending on the acidity of the soil.
• Hortensia paniculata (panicle hydrangea): This type of hydrangea has smaller flowers than bigleaf hydrangeas, but they are arranged in large, cone-shaped clusters. Panicle hydrangeas are typically white or pink, but they can also be red or purple.
• Hortensia arborescens (smooth hydrangea): This type of hydrangea is native to North America, and it is known for its delicate, white flowers. Smooth hydrangeas are typically smaller than bigleaf or panicle hydrangeas, and they can be grown as shrubs or trees.
• Hortensia serrata (sawtooth hydrangea): This type of hydrangea is native to Japan, and it is known for its small, bell-shaped flowers. Sawtooth hydrangeas are typically white or pink, and they can be grown as shrubs or vines.

Symbolism of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas have a number of different symbolic meanings. In China, hydrangeas are associated with good luck and prosperity. In Japan, hydrangeas are associated with gratitude and appreciation. In Western cultures, hydrangeas are often seen as a symbol of change and transformation.

How to Care for Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some special attention. Hydrangeas prefer full sun to partial shade, and they need well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Hydrangeas also need to be fertilized in the spring and summer.

The color of hydrangea blooms can be affected by the acidity of the soil. In acidic soil, hydrangeas will bloom blue. In alkaline soil, hydrangeas will bloom pink. If you want to change the color of your hydrangea blooms, you can add sulfur to acidic soil or lime to alkaline soil.

Conclusion

Hydrangeas are beautiful and versatile flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With proper care, hydrangeas can thrive for many years. If you're looking for a stunning flower that is easy to care for, hydrangeas are a great choice.

The hydrangea is a beautiful flower that is native to both Asia and the Americas. It was first cultivated in Japan, and the original hydrangea is still found growing wild in the mountains of that country. These hydrangeas are known for their large, showy blooms that can be white, pink, blue, or purple. The color of the blooms can vary depending on the acidity of the soil, with alkaline soils producing blue blooms and acidic soils producing pink blooms.

If you are interested in learning more about the original hydrangea, I recommend visiting the website . This website is dedicated to hydrangeas, and it contains a wealth of information about the history, cultivation, and care of these beautiful flowers. You can also find photos and videos of hydrangeas from all over the world.

FAQ of the original hydrangea

1. What is the original hydrangea?

The original hydrangea is a type of hydrangea that blooms both on the previous year's branches as well as the new season's growth. This makes it a popular choice for gardeners who want to enjoy their hydrangeas for a longer period of time. The original hydrangea is also known for its beautiful blue or pink flowers, which can change color depending on the soil pH.

2. What color are original hydrangeas?

The original hydrangea can bloom in either blue or pink flowers. The color of the flowers is determined by the acidity of the soil. In acidic soil, the flowers will be blue. In alkaline soil, the flowers will be pink. You can change the color of the flowers by amending the soil pH.

3. How do I care for an original hydrangea?

Original hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. They should be fertilized in the early spring with an acid fertilizer. To encourage repeat blooming, deadhead spent flowers throughout the summer.

4. How do I propagate an original hydrangea?

Original hydrangeas can be propagated by softwood cuttings in the spring or summer. To take a softwood cutting, make a clean cut from a healthy branch that is about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot of well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks.

5. What are some problems that original hydrangeas are susceptible to?

Original hydrangeas are susceptible to a few common problems, including:

• Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To treat leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
• Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves. To treat powdery mildew, apply a fungicide.
• Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage hydrangeas. To control aphids, spray the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Image of the original hydrangea

• Hydrangea macrophylla is the original hydrangea species. It is native to East Asia, and is known for its large, showy flowers that can be pink, blue, or white.
• Hydrangea serrata is another popular hydrangea species. It is native to Japan, and is known for its smaller flowers that are often blue or pink.
• Hydrangea paniculata is a hardy hydrangea species that is native to Europe and Asia. It is known for its large, cone-shaped flowers that can be white, pink, or blue.
• Hydrangea arborescens is a North American native hydrangea species. It is known for its large, flat-topped flowers that can be white, pink, or blue.
• Hydrangea quercifolia is a deciduous hydrangea species that is native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its large, oak-shaped leaves and its lacecap flowers that can be white, pink, or blue.