Mistress Hortense
The name ‘Hortensia’ (one of the common names of the Hydrangea) was first reported in 1771. It was thought up by the French botanist Philibert Commerson, who presumably named it after a woman, either his mistress or one of his female friends who was a well-known astronomer. Some high born ladies were also suggested as his source of inspiration. These included Queen Hortense, the daughter of Josephine de Beauharnais and Napoleon and Hortense de Nassau, the daughter of the Prince of Nassau. The truth about who really inspired the name will always remain a mystery.
Shapes
Hydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea macrophylla is the most well-known Hydrangea. It is a striking appearance. Especially indoors the enormous flower head with small flowers attract attention. Hydrangea macrophylla has two different flower forms: the mopheads and the lacecaps. The mopheads have a distinct dome form as flower.
The lacecaps have a flat, umbel-shaped flowering. The flower head on the outside draws insects to the fertile inner flowers.
Colours
Hydrangeas come in a huge range of colours including white, various shades of pink, red and blue. There are also bicoloured varieties in pink and white and blue and white. There are about 100 different varieties; breeding results in even more varieties. Most varieties of house Hydrangeas change colour as the flowers age. For example they can change from pink to dark green or from cream to white and then to pale green. Hydrangea keeps surprising you!
Seasonal product
The house Hydrangea is a seasonal product, available from January till November. High season is March till August when the plants are readily available. You can purchase the plants at your florist, garden centre, home improvement store and supermarket.
Macrophylla Vendetta (blauw)
Macrophylla Spike
Macrophylla Margarita (blauw)
Macrophylla Magical Amethyst
Macrophylla Bela
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Magical Noblesse
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Challenge
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Rodeo blauw
(Nederlands) Macrophylla You & me together
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Lollypop blauw
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Elbtal
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Magical Revolution blauw
Macrophylla Magical Noblesse
Macrophylla Magical Coral
Macrophylla Magical Amethyst
Macrophylla Green Star
Macrophylla Green Lizzard
Arborescens Annabelle
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Magical Noblesse
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Magical Coral
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Rodeo paars
Macrophylla Magical Ruby Red
Macrophylla Green Shadow
Macrophylla ‘My Terracotta’
Macrophyllla Red Star
Macrophylla Vendetta (roze)
Macrophylla Monica
Macrophylla Margarita (roze)
Macrophylla Mango
Macrophylla Mammoet
Macrophylla Magical Revolution
Macrophylla Magical Coral
Macrophylla Imola
Macrophylla Harlekijn
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Verena roze
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Spike
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Beautensia Papillon
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Magical Amathyst
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Lollypop roze
(Nederlands) Macrophylla Sweet Fantasy
Cut flower
Put the flowers in sufficient fresh cold water and always use cut flower food. For fresh hydrangea this extends vase life for over a week. With this vase life will be 2 to 3 weeks. Therefore always supply your customer, at purchase, cut flower food. Fresh Hydrangea do not agree with being dry. They can be stuck in Oasis, with enough water. Sufficient pre-watering is important here. Cut off a piece of the stem with a clean and sharp knife or trimmer for better water absorption.
For classic Hydrangea care is similar to fresh, only: if the flowers no longer absorb water and the leaves sags, remove the leaves from the stem and throw out the water in the vase. Put the flowers back in the vase without leaves and water. The flowers can be expected to dry out completely and can still be enjoyed for months.
Follow these tips to keep your Hydrangea looking good indoors:
- Ensure the vase is clean. Use chlorine to make your vases shining clean and free of bacteria. How? Fill the vase with lukewarm water and add a drop of chlorine. Let it soak and brush the vase with a dishwashing brush. Rinse well and the vase is ready for use.
- Before putting the flowers in the vase, cut 2cm off the stems to facilitate absorption of water and cut flower food.
- Always remove any excess foliage and side shoots. These are responsible for rapid bacteria growth in the water which shortens the life span of the flowers.
- Always use cut flower food. This helps the flowers to open fully and keeps the leaves green and firm.
- Ensure there is enough (2/3) water in the vase. Hydrangeas do not agree with adding water later.
- Do not put the flowers in a draughty spot, in bright sunlight or near a radiator or fruit bowl.
- If the flowers start to look limp after a few days in the vase, cut another piece off the stems and spray the flower heads gently with a flower sprayer.
- Cut Hydrangeas will not do well in a metal vase or pail. Glass vases are ideal. They allow you to check the water level and water quality at all times.
Extra tip for fully colour changed Hydrangeas, dry!
If the flowers stop absorbing water and the leaves look limp, remove the leaves from the stem and empty the vase of water. Replace the flowers in the vase minus the leaves and water. Normally the flowers will then dry out completely and provide months of enjoyment!
Source: Hydrangeaworld.com