Just Bloom Florist Guide to Hydrangea Varieties
Hydrangeas are a florist’s favorite for their lush, voluminous blooms, vibrant colors, and versatility in arrangements. Known for their ability to transform bouAdderall spacebarbouquets and event decor, hydrangeas are a staple in the floral industry. This Just Bloom HK guide explores the key hydrangea varieties, their characteristics, uses, and care tips to help florists create stunning designs and meet customer needs.
1. Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Overview
Bigleaf hydrangeas, also known as mophead or French hydrangeas, are the most common type used in floral arrangements due to their large, rounded flower heads and vibrant colors.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Large, spherical flower heads (6–12 inches) composed of many small florets.
Colors: Pink, blue, purple, white, or green, often influenced by soil pH (acidic for blue, alkaline for pink).
Size: Medium to large shrubs, with cut stems typically 12–24 inches long.
Bloom Season: Summer to early fall, with some reblooming varieties.
Texture: Soft, lush petals with a slightly velvety feel.
Popular Varieties
'Endless Summer': Blue or pink, reblooming, ideal for long-season arrangements.
'Nikko Blue': Deep blue, vibrant for bold bouquets.
'Blushing Bride': Creamy white with a hint of pink, perfect for weddings.
Uses
Bridal bouquets and centerpieces due to their voluminous shape.
Mixed arrangements with roses or lilies for texture contrast.
Large-scale event decor, such as arches or backdrops.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–10 days with proper care.
Handling: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under water to maximize water uptake. Crush woody stem ends slightly to improve hydration.
Water: Use lukewarm water with floral preservative, changed every 2–3 days.
Storage: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C) in a cooler with high humidity to prevent wilting.
2. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)
Overview
Panicle hydrangeas are known for their cone-shaped flower heads and ability to thrive in various climates, making them a reliable choice for florists.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Elongated, conical flower heads (6–18 inches long).
Colors: White, cream, or green, often transitioning to pink or red as they age.
Size: Large shrubs or small trees, with cut stems 12–36 inches.
Bloom Season: Late summer to fall, with long-lasting blooms.
Texture: Slightly coarser petals than bigleaf hydrangeas, with a sturdy structure.
Popular Varieties
'Limelight': Pale green to white, turning pink, popular for modern arrangements.
'Pinky Winky': White with pink tips, striking for mixed bouquets.
'Fire Light': White to deep pink-red, ideal for dramatic fall displays.
Uses
Focal flowers in large arrangements due to their size and shape.
Rustic or garden-style bouquets with greenery or wildflowers.
Dried arrangements, as blooms retain color when dried.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 7–12 days.
Handling: Remove lower leaves to prevent rot. Use sharp shears for clean cuts.
Water: Keep in deep water to support large blooms; use floral food.
Storage: Store in a cool, humid environment to maintain bloom fullness.
3. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)
Overview
Smooth hydrangeas, also called wild or American hydrangeas, are native to North America and prized for their hardiness and large, soft blooms.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Large, rounded heads (5–12 inches), often flatter than mopheads.
Colors: White, cream, or light green, sometimes with pink tinges.
Size: Medium shrubs, with cut stems 12–24 inches.
Bloom Season: Early to late summer.
Texture: Soft, delicate petals with a slightly fuzzy appearance.
Popular Varieties
'Annabelle': Pure white, massive blooms, perfect for statement pieces.
'Incrediball': White, robust blooms, great for large arrangements.
'Grandiflora': Creamy white, classic for traditional designs.
Uses
Filler flowers for large bouquets due to their volume.
Wedding and event decor, especially for white-themed designs.
Mixed with colorful flowers for contrast.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 5–8 days.
Handling: Handle gently to avoid bruising soft petals. Cut stems under water.
Water: Use floral preservative and change water frequently to prevent bacterial growth.
Storage: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C) to maintain freshness.
4. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Overview
Oakleaf hydrangeas are distinctive for their oak-like leaves and elongated blooms, adding a unique texture to floral designs.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Conical panicles (4–12 inches), similar to panicle hydrangeas.
Colors: White, turning pink or purple as they age.
Size: Medium to large shrubs, with cut stems 12–30 inches.
Bloom Season: Summer to fall, with attractive fall foliage.
Texture: Slightly leathery petals, with textured, oak-shaped leaves.
Popular Varieties
'Snow Queen': White to pink, single-flowered panicles, elegant for bouquets.
'Alice': Large white blooms, turning purple, great for bold designs.
'Ruby Slippers': White to deep pink, compact for smaller arrangements.
Uses
Rustic or woodland-style arrangements with ferns or greenery.
Focal flowers in mixed bouquets with roses or peonies.
Leafy stems add texture to garden-inspired designs.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 6–10 days.
Handling: Include some leaves for aesthetic appeal but remove those below the waterline.
Water: Use deep containers with floral preservative for woody stems.
Storage: Store in a cool, humid cooler to prevent leaf wilting.
5. Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
Overview
Climbing hydrangeas are vigorous vines with flat, lacy blooms, offering a delicate, cascading effect for floral arrangements.
Characteristics
Bloom Shape: Flat, lacecap-style blooms (5–8 inches) with small fertile flowers surrounded by larger sterile florets.
Colors: White or cream, sometimes with pinkish hues.
Size: Long vines, with cut stems 12–36 inches.
Bloom Season: Early to mid-summer.
Texture: Delicate, airy blooms with soft, flexible stems.
Popular Varieties
'Miranda': White lacecap blooms, ideal for cascading bouquets.
'Silver Lining': White with subtle variegated leaves, great for unique designs.
'Firefly': Creamy white, perfect for delicate arrangements.
Uses
Cascading bouquets or garlands for weddings and events.
Mixed with greenery for a natural, airy look.
Small arrangements or corsages for a delicate touch.
Care Tips
Vase Life: 4–7 days.
Handling: Use floral tape to support flexible stems in arrangements.
Water: Keep in shallow water with floral preservative to avoid stem rot.
Storage: Store horizontally in a cooler at 35–40°F (2–4°C).
General Hydrangea Care for Florists
Sourcing: Choose high-quality blooms from reputable suppliers. Look for firm, vibrant flower heads with no wilting edges.
Conditioning: Submerge stems in lukewarm water with floral preservative for 4–6 hours before arranging to ensure hydration.
Temperature: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C) in a humid cooler to prevent dehydration. Avoid ethylene exposure from fruits or wilting flowers.
Design Tips: Pair hydrangeas with sturdy flowers like roses or peonies to balance their softness. Use floral foam or chicken wire for structural support in large designs.
Customer Advice: Advise customers to keep hydrangeas out of direct sunlight, change water every 2–3 days, and mist blooms lightly to maintain freshness.
Trends in Hydrangea Use (2025)
Eco-Friendly Designs: Locally sourced or sustainably grown hydrangeas are in demand for environmentally conscious customers.
Color Shifts: Blue and green hydrangeas are trending for modern, serene aesthetics, while pink and purple add vibrancy to bold designs.
Dried Hydrangeas: Dried hydrangea blooms are popular for long-lasting decor, especially in bohemian or minimalist arrangements.
Mixed Textures: Combining hydrangeas with textured elements like eucalyptus, ferns, or succulents creates dynamic, modern designs.
Hydrangeas are a versatile and stunning addition to any florist’s repertoire, offering a range of shapes, colors, and textures to suit various design styles. By understanding the characteristics, uses, and care requirements of each hydrangea variety, florists can create breathtaking arrangements that captivate clients and enhance any occasion.
