What kind of growing environment do hydrangeas like?

Other names for the hydrangea

The hydrangea is also called "xiuqiu" (hydrangea ball). It also has other names such as "ziyanghua", "fentuanhua" and "caoxiuqiu".

The hydrangea's morphological characteristics

The hydrangea is a deciduous shrub of the genus Hydrangea, with sturdy branches that have obvious lenticels.

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

The flower heads of the hydrangea are relatively large; the inflorescence is an umbel composed of a large number of sterile flowers, growing at the tips of the branches and stems. The flower color changes as it grows, gradually turning from white to blue or pink.

Growing habits of the hydrangea

To plant hydrangeas, you should choose 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.

The hydrangea requires a relatively short daily sunlight duration; it needs about 10 hours or more of dark treatment each day, and will sprout in about 45-50 days. Normally it also needs 60-70% shading.

As for water, care should be taken to keep the potting soil moist; during the rainy season, particular attention should be paid to drainage to avoid root rot and other unfavorable conditions caused by waterlogging.

The value and uses of the hydrangea

The value of the hydrangea is mainly reflected in its ornamental aspect; it is an ornamental plant widely grown in the Yangtze River basin.

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

The flower balls of the hydrangea can also be cut off for use as cut flowers, beautifully adorning the interior of a room, or the flower balls can be hung directly on bed canopies and other places for decoration.

The flower language of the hydrangea

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

The hydrangea also has different meanings in different countries. In China it represents "hope", "health", "pride" and "happy reunion", among others; while in the United Kingdom it symbolizes "heartlessness" and "cruelty".