Description

The Hydrangea (or Hortensia) genus consists of about 70-75 species and over 600 named cultivars. Hydrangeas are members of the Saxifragaceae family and are native to southern and eastern Asia. They are the most diverse species specifically in China and Japan. They are also found in North and South America.

History

The name Hydrangea comes from the Greek word ‘Hydro’ which means water and ‘angeion’ which means cask or jug. This name refers to the spherical shape of the open flower head. The flower head inflorescence is corymb or panicle shaped.

Colors and Acidity

White flowers can be seen on most species of hydrangeas; however, some species show blue, red, pink, or purple flowers. The color is dependent on the pH of the soil. If the soil is very acidic, the flowers will be blue. If the soil is alkaline, the flowers will be pink or purple. Neutral soils produce pale cream flowers.

Pictures

Mophead Hydrangeas Hydrangea macrophylla	Lacecap Hydrangeas Hydrangea macrophylla normalis
'Amethyst'	'Kardinal'
'Harlequin'	'Lanarth White'

Hydrangea arborescens	Hydrangea paniculata
'Annabelle'	'Grandiflora'

Cited Pages

www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik/Hydrangea

www.hydrangeaworld.com