The Ultimate Ellermann Florist Guide to Hydrangea Varieties and Colors
Hydrangeas are a cornerstone of floral design, prized for their lush, voluminous blooms and versatility in arrangements. This Ellermann Flower Boutique guide provides florists with a comprehensive overview of hydrangea varieties, their colors, care requirements, and practical applications in floral work. Whether you're crafting wedding bouquets, centerpieces, or seasonal displays, understanding hydrangea varieties and their unique characteristics will elevate your designs.
Introduction to Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas (genus Hydrangea) are flowering shrubs native to Asia and the Americas, with over 70 species and countless cultivars. Their large, showy flower heads—available in a spectrum of colors—make them a favorite for florists. The most common species used in floral arrangements include:
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf or Mophead/Lacecap)
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle)
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth)
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf)
Hydrangea serrata (Mountain)
Each species offers distinct flower shapes, sizes, and color variations, influenced by genetics, soil pH, and environmental factors. Below, we explore the major varieties, their color ranges, and their uses in floral design.
Major Hydrangea Varieties and Their Characteristics
1. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)
Description: The most popular hydrangea for florists, known for large, rounded flower heads (mopheads) or flatter, delicate blooms (lacecaps).
Flower Types:
Mophead: Dense, globe-like clusters of sterile flowers, ideal for bold arrangements.
Lacecap: Flattened heads with small fertile flowers surrounded by larger sterile florets, offering a delicate, airy look.
Color Range:
Blue: Achieved in acidic soil (pH 5.2–5.5). Vibrant blues like ‘Nikko Blue’ or ‘Endless Summer’ are popular for cool-toned designs.
Pink: Found in alkaline soil (pH 6.5–7.0). Cultivars like ‘Pia’ or ‘Glowing Embers’ add warmth to bouquets.
Purple: Occurs in neutral soil (pH 5.5–6.5). ‘Mathilda Gutges’ offers rich purple hues.
White: Neutral pH; cultivars like ‘Annabelle’ or ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’ remain white regardless of soil pH.
Green: Some varieties, like ‘Limelight,’ naturally produce green blooms, often used in modern or minimalist designs.
Antique Shades: Aged blooms develop muted tones (e.g., burgundy, sage green) in late summer, perfect for vintage or rustic arrangements.
Popular Cultivars:
‘Endless Summer’: Reblooming, with blue or pink mopheads.
‘Nikko Blue’: Deep blue mopheads, sensitive to pH.
‘Cityline’ series: Compact, vibrant colors for small arrangements.
‘Blushing Bride’: Creamy white blooms that blush pink with age.
Uses in Floral Design: Ideal for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and arches due to their volume and color versatility. Mopheads add structure, while lacecaps provide texture.
Care Tips:
Submerge stems in water immediately after cutting to prevent wilting.
Use floral preservative to maintain vibrancy.
Mist blooms to keep them hydrated in warm environments.
2. Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Description: Known for cone-shaped flower heads that transition from white to pink or bronze as they age. Hardy and easy to grow, they’re a reliable choice for florists.
Color Range:
White/Cream: Fresh blooms, like ‘PeeGee’ or ‘Limelight,’ start creamy white.
Pink/Bronze: As blooms age, they shift to pink or reddish-bronze, especially in fall (e.g., ‘Pinky Winky’).
Green: ‘Limelight’ has a signature lime-green hue early in the season.
Popular Cultivars:
‘Limelight’: Large, lime-green to white blooms, transitioning to pink.
‘Pinky Winky’: Two-toned blooms with white tops and pink bases.
‘Vanilla Strawberry’: Creamy blooms that turn strawberry pink.
Uses in Floral Design: Perfect for tall arrangements, cascading bouquets, or autumnal displays due to their conical shape and seasonal color shifts.
Care Tips:
Blooms last longer in arrangements than H. macrophylla.
Cut stems at an angle and place in lukewarm water to maximize vase life.
3. Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)
Description: Features large, rounded flower heads, typically white or cream, with a softer texture than mopheads.
Color Range:
White: Dominant color, as in ‘Annabelle’ or ‘Incrediball.’
Green: Some cultivars develop green tinges as blooms age.
Popular Cultivars:
‘Annabelle’: Classic white, large blooms, ideal for statement pieces.
‘Incrediball’: Stronger stems than ‘Annabelle,’ with even larger heads.
Uses in Floral Design: Excellent for monochromatic or neutral arrangements, adding softness to bouquets or table settings.
Care Tips:
Blooms are prone to drooping; use floral wire or supports for heavy heads.
Keep in cool conditions to extend vase life.
4. Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
Description: Distinctive oak-shaped leaves and elongated, conical flower heads. Blooms often change color with the seasons, adding dynamic interest.
Color Range:
White: Fresh blooms, as in ‘Snow Queen.’
Pink/Red: Fall hues, especially in ‘Alice’ or ‘Ruby Slippers.’
Bronze/Burgundy: Aged blooms take on rich, autumnal tones.
Popular Cultivars:
‘Snow Queen’: Large white panicles with strong stems.
‘Ruby Slippers’: Compact, with white-to-pink blooms.
Uses in Floral Design: Ideal for rustic or woodland-themed arrangements. Leaves can be used for added texture.
Care Tips:
Harvest when blooms are fully open for best color retention.
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
5. Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)
Description: Smaller, more delicate than H. macrophylla, with lacecap-style blooms. Native to Japan, they’re prized for their subtle elegance.
Color Range:
Blue/Pink/Purple: Similar to H. macrophylla, influenced by soil pH.
White: Less common but available in cultivars like ‘Tuff Stuff.’
Popular Cultivars:
‘Tuff Stuff’: Reblooming, compact, with blue or pink lacecaps.
‘Blue Billow’: Vibrant blue lacecaps in acidic soil.
Uses in Floral Design: Perfect for petite bouquets, boutonnieres, or delicate centerpieces.
Care Tips:
Handle gently, as blooms are more fragile.
Keep hydrated and store in a cool environment.
Color Manipulation and Soil pH
Hydrangea colors (especially H. macrophylla and H. serrata) can be influenced by soil pH, a factor florists should understand when sourcing blooms:
Acidic Soil (pH 5.2–5.5): Promotes blue blooms by increasing aluminum availability.
Neutral Soil (pH 5.5–6.5): Produces purple or mixed hues.
Alkaline Soil (pH 6.5–7.0): Encourages pink blooms.
White Varieties: Unaffected by pH, maintaining their color regardless of soil conditions.
Tip for Florists: When ordering from growers, specify desired colors and confirm growing conditions to ensure consistency. For example, request “acid-grown blue hydrangeas” for vibrant blues.
Seasonal Availability and Color Trends
Spring/Summer: Peak season for fresh white, blue, and pink blooms. ‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Limelight’ are widely available.
Fall: Antique shades (burgundy, green, bronze) dominate, especially in H. paniculata and H. quercifolia. These are ideal for seasonal events.
Winter: Dried hydrangeas in muted tones (beige, sage, or faded pink) are popular for wreaths and preserved arrangements.
Trending Colors for 2025 (based on floral industry insights):
Soft Pastels: Blush pink, lavender, and pale blue for romantic weddings.
Bold Blues: Vibrant blues like ‘Nikko Blue’ for statement pieces.
Antique Tones: Muted greens and burgundies for bohemian or vintage designs.
Practical Tips for Florists
Sourcing and Selection
Choose blooms with firm petals and vibrant colors. Avoid wilted or browning heads.
Work with local growers to ensure freshness and specific color preferences.
Check for pests (e.g., aphids) or powdery mildew, common in humid conditions.
Care and Handling
Hydration: Hydrangeas are water-intensive. Submerge stems in water immediately after cutting and use hydration solutions.
Vase Life: Typically 5–10 days with proper care. Change water every 2 days and recut stems.
Storage: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C) in high humidity to prevent wilting.
Wilting Prevention: If blooms droop, submerge entire flower heads in cool water for 30–60 minutes to revive.
Design Applications
Bouquets: Use mopheads for bold focal points or lacecaps for delicate accents.
Centerpieces: Combine with greenery (e.g., eucalyptus) or contrasting flowers (e.g., roses, peonies) for balance.
Arches and Installations: Panicle and oakleaf varieties are ideal for large-scale structures due to their sturdy stems.
Dried Arrangements: Antique or dried hydrangeas add texture to wreaths or winter displays.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Wilting: Ensure constant hydration and avoid hot environments.
Color Fading: Use floral sprays to lock in color, especially for outdoor events.
Heavy Blooms: Support large heads with floral tape or wire to prevent drooping in arrangements.
Cultural and Symbolic Meanings
Hydrangeas carry different meanings, which can guide their use in arrangements:
White: Purity, grace, and abundance. Ideal for weddings or memorials.
Blue: Peace, serenity, and apology. Suitable for calming or sympathetic designs.
Pink: Love, romance, and gratitude. Perfect for anniversaries or celebrations.
Purple: Royalty, creativity. Great for artistic or luxurious events.
Antique Shades: Nostalgia, timelessness. Popular for vintage or rustic themes.
Ellermann Flower Tips
Hydrangeas are a florist’s dream, offering unmatched versatility in color, form, and application. By understanding the varieties—H. macrophylla for vibrant mopheads, H. paniculata for conical elegance, H. arborescens for soft whites, H. quercifolia for seasonal drama, and H. serrata for delicate touches—you can create stunning arrangements tailored to any occasion. Pay attention to sourcing, care, and color manipulation to maximize their impact. Whether you’re designing for a wedding, corporate event, or intimate gathering, hydrangeas will elevate your work with their timeless beauty.
