Is Hydrangea a herbaceous perennial? A detailed guide

Other names for Hydrangea

Hydrangea is also called "xiuqiu". It also has other names such as "ziyanghua", "fentuanhua" and "caoxiuqiu".

Hydrangea's morphological characteristics

Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub of the genus Hydrangea, with thick, sturdy branches bearing prominent lenticels.

The leaves of Hydrangea are relatively thick and large, opposite, obovate, with coarse serrations along the leaf margins; the upper surface is bright green while the underside is yellow-green.

The flower heads of Hydrangea are relatively large; the inflorescence is an umbel made up of a large number of sterile florets, borne at the tips of the branches and stems. The flower color changes as it grows, gradually shifting from white to blue or pink.

Hydrangea's growing habits

When planting Hydrangea, choose a loose, fertile soil with good drainage; applying aluminum sulfate to the potting soil can deepen the blue flower color, while applying lime can maintain the pink flower color.

Hydrangea requires a short daily photoperiod; it needs a dark treatment of about 10 hours or more per day, and will sprout in about 45-50 days. Normally it also needs 60-70% shading.

As for water, keep the potting soil moist, and in the rainy season pay particular attention to drainage to avoid adverse conditions such as root rot caused by waterlogging.

Hydrangea's value and uses

Hydrangea's value lies mainly in its ornamental qualities; it is an ornamental plant widely grown in the Yangtze River basin.

It is also often planted beside shaded groves in gardens or on shaded hillsides.

The flower balls of Hydrangea can also be cut off for use in flower arrangements, adding a lovely touch to interiors, or the flower balls can simply be hung on bed canopies and other places for decoration.

Hydrangea's flower language

The name Hydrangea comes from the myth and legend of the Eight Immortals, and therefore carries the meaning of "the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each showing their own special powers".

Hydrangea has different meanings in different countries: in China it represents "hope", "health", "pride" and "happy reunion", while in the United Kingdom it symbolizes "heartlessness" and "cruelty".