A hydrangea like no other
Everyone knows a hydrangea when they see one.
But not everyone knows that its name, hydrangea, comes from the greek for “water recipient” and refers to its seed capsule, that looks like a little water vase.
Or that it is also named Hortensia, in honour of the beautiful daughter of the Prince of Nassau, with whom the botanist that described the plant to European scientists (and maybe brought some trimmings back) was madly in love with. Or not. Maybe he just needed his father’s help. (He is also the same man that named the bougainvillea after the captain of the ship he was sailing with when he discovered the plant.)
Or that, in most cases, the flower is white. Its colour – pink, blue, purple – comes mainly from the pH of the soil. An acidic soil will give you bluer flowers, while a more alkaline soil will infuse the flowers with pink.
Or that there is an island in the Azores that is called The Blue Island, so invaded has it become with hydrangeas.
Mostly, it likes the shade and constant loving care.
3 Comments on “A hydrangea like no other”
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Together with Nicole Duplaix, Chair of the IUCN-SSC Otter Specialist Group , I wrote a book all about otters and how wonderful they are. Check it out We Love Otters
fullofdaisies.com 
well, I knew that hydrangea means “water sipper” and think that it is called like this, because hydrangea needs and wants a lot of water. Your photo is very beautiful, I love hydrangeas and have a lot in my garden.
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Thank you taphian! Water slipper or container, greek is very flexible😉and they do need quite a lot of water, you’re right! Best of luck with your garden 😊
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Great information , am just growing a cutting from a friend and hope it grows strong for my new garden.
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