Petal Passion

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

I am fascinated by all of the plants and flowers in my garden and in other gardens, but each year hydrangeas entertain and awe like few others.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

The colors and textures surprise me each day. Their transformation from bud to bloom to something short of a dried flower on the vine provides so much interest. I am in awe each time I pass by.

I am joining Carol of May Dreams Gardens for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day, Gesine at Seepferd's Garten for the European version, and Glenda of Tootsie Time for Fertilizer Friday. Diana of Elephant's Eye asks for a favorite bloom each month for Dozen for Diana on the third Friday of every month. Hydrangea is my favorite for June.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry'

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History - Hydrangeas are native to Asia and North and South America. Botanist Gronovius thought the shape of the hydrangea was like a water jug, and so he used 'hydro' (water) and 'angeion' (jug) to create the name, hydrangea, in 1739. The name, Hortensia, was used in 1771 by French botanist, Philibert Commerson. Botanists use, hydrangea, as the official botanical name.
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When hydrangea blooms begin to open, there is a progressive blooming with each petal opening at its own time. Even the unopened and undeveloped part of the bloom is interesting with a subtle suggestion of what is to come.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Amethyst'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

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Meaning of Hydrangea Flowers - boastfulness and vanity because of the lushness of the bloom. A bouquet of hydrangeas given to a recipient expresses gratitude or heartfelt emotions.
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When blooms are fully open, there is an explosion of color. And as one gets closer, the color is sometimes painted with subtle hues with white accents.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blushing Bride'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Amethyst'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

As the blooms stand on the branches over time, they age with such grace and delight. Subtle color changes mark the edge of the petals.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blushing Bride'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Alice'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen'

As the end of the season nears, hydrangea petals brown and dry on the plant. The colors of the peak have faded into an ecru or mixed chocolate hue. A bloom still exists and blends in with the colors of autumn. The dried and browned bloom remains on the stem through the winter.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

© copyright 2012 Michelle A. Potter