Hydrangea: in the Flower Agenda throughout August

 

The hydrangea that you find in flower shops has Asian and South American roots. This mood creator was brought to Europe on the first Dutch East Indies Company ships. Interesting fact: the name hydrangea comes from ‘hydro’ (water) and ‘angeion’ (pitcher), because the hydrangea’s shape is reminiscent of an old water pitcher. Although you need quite a lot of imagination to see it.

 

In the first half of the year you can see red, pink, purple, white, green and blue hydrangeas, as well as hydrangeas which combine several colours. In the second half of the year there are the ‘colour-changed’ flowers. These hydrangeas have a green, red, brown tone - perfect for autumn and winter - and are good for drying. There’s also plenty of choice when it comes to shape. You can choose single or double flowered varieties, globe-shaped hydrangeas, hydrangeas with small flowers in the middle and large petals on the edge (edge bloomers) or hydrangeas with a plume shape. What a range to choose from!

 

•  Trim a piece off the stem diagonally.

•  Select a clean vase and fill it with tap water at room temperature.

•  Do not place your vase of hydrangeas in a draught, in full sun, near a heater or next to the fruit bowl.

•  Add cut flower food to the water for a longer lifespan and regularly top the vase up with tap water.

•  Make sure there are no leaves hanging in the water.

 

The hydrangea is bursting with symbolism. The flower represents gratitude, grace and beauty. It also projects abundance because of the lavish number of flowers and the generous round shape. The hydrangea’s colours symbolise love, harmony and peace. So it’s perfect for use in a luxurious floral arrangement for weddings and birthdays, but equally suitable for an outstanding memorial bouquet.

 

Bouquet recipe with hydrangeas

The hydrangea is a flower you can’t get enough of. Its globe shape, the tiny flowers that all bloom idiosyncratically, the sometimes almost unnatural colours that vary with the seasons: the hydrangea keeps us under its spell. Combined with the right colours and supporting cast it creates a wonderful spectacle that looks like it’s come straight from a fairy story. 

 

• Hydrangea

• Delphinium

• Rose

• Carnation

• Dahlia

 

Consumers can also find special inspiration for using the robust hydrangea at Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk, such as fabulous wallpapers or the loveliest bridal bouquets! 

 

Inspiring images of every flower in the Flower Agenda have been produced in line with the Horticulture Sector Trends 2017 (Groenbranche Trends 2017). These trends are a translation of what our consumers are interested in at the moment and are specifically aimed at the horticulture sector for use both indoors and outdoors. If you would like to find out more about the Flower Agenda click here.