Even in the smallest and humblest garden, a sturdy hydrangea at once proclaims the place as the abode of a real gardener rather than a mere purchaser of plants to cover the landscape.
– 2006 Washington Park Arboretum Bulletin
For Sale in Minneapolis/St. Paul
Hydrangeas are a very popular flower variety, and for good reason – they smell fantastic, come in a wide variety of colors, and their large pom-pom shaped blooms are unmatched in nature. Some of the first known documentation of hydrangeas being cultivated was by Buddhist monks in Japan, who used a specific breed of the flower (hydrangea serrata) in some of their ritualistic teas. These days, however, hydrangeas are commonly found and cultivated worldwide – including right in the sunny, serene greenhouses of Wagners Greenhouses in Minnesota.
There are 75 different known species of Hydrangea, and we’re happy to be host to a good number of them. Hydrangeas are popular landscaping and home flowers due to the distinct shape of their bloom groupings and their low threshold for care, and to meet the demand that comes for such a dynamic flower we are happy to offer hydrangeas in many different colors including shades of white, blue, red, pink, and varying intensities of purple.
How to Care for Hydrangeas
The first thing you need to know when preparing to care for a hydrangea is how important water is. Hydrangeas prefer significant watering at least once per week, more-so when the weather outside is particularly dry. Most varieties of the plant are versatile when it comes to their sunlight needs and can handle full sun just as well as partial shade. Many species are sensitive to extreme heat, however, so it’s recommended to plant these large-bloomed flowers in areas where they’re afforded at least some shade.
These factors alongside rich, aerated soil, a regular pruning schedule, and an occasional boost of fertilizer can help you grow a thriving, beautiful hydrangea plant in no time.
Hydrangea FAQS
Here are a few of our favorite interesting hydrangea facts:
- The general color of a hydrangea is affected by the pH level of the soil they’re planted in. This means, that for many species, you can actually alter the shade by tinkering with the acidity and alkalinity of the soil they’re planted in.
- While nearly all species of hydrangea are mildly toxic when consumed, there is one breed, Hydrangea serrata, that is used in Japan for a special herbal tea blend. It’s mainly used for kan-butsu-e, a special Buddhist cleansing ceremony that occurs in early April of each year. The hydrangea tea is said to develop an interestingly sweet, floral taste.
- Pink hydrangea are especially popular in Asia. This is because of a belief that, if you give someone a pink hydrangea, you are saying, “You are the beat of my heart.” This meaning can be attributed to well-loved Chinese florist Tan Jun Yong, who was quoted as saying, ““The delicate blush of the petals reminds me of a beating heart, while the size could only match the heart of the sender!”
Stop in today to one of our retail locations to take a look at the spectrum of beautiful hydrangea plants we offer and talk to one of our service professionals about the variety that’s best for your home garden.
