| All about Hydrangea Hydrangea have captured the nation's fancy. Their lush blooms are
splashed across magazine covers, home decor fabrics, and even dishware.
Harvested as a cut flower in California year round, the
color range of the hydrangea accommodates all seasons. Along with milky whites and soft
pastels, there are brilliant blues, vivid pinks, and even the fuchsia colored Hydrangea
macrophylla 'Matilda Gucci.' The hydrangea performs equally well in bridal bouquets,
English garden arrangements, fruit and flower Flemish-style designs for autumn, or tucked
into Christmas garlands.
Part of the magic of hydrangea is their ability to change
colors, either naturally as they mature, or coached by climate and soil acidity. For
example, H. serrata 'Preziosa' progresses from white, to violet, to wine red by summer.
One of the most spectacular transformations is H.m. 'Glowing Embers,' which evolves as it
matures from raspberry pink to brilliant red in fall.
Today, brilliant, intense tones are in demand, says Jerry
Bolduan, who grows about 85 different hydrangea varieties at Green Valley Growers in
Sebastopol, California. Two of the most popular are H. m. 'Blue Danube,' which has rich
purple, violet-like blossoms, and H.m.'Nikko blue,' with lime green foliage and pale to
deep blue petals, depending on the soil acidity.
Dried hydrangea are as popular and versatile as the fresh
cut flowers. Many of the colors turn green when dried, while others retain an intense
color. 'Nikko Blue' turns bright green with purple-tipped petals.
Floral foam tends to clog their stems, unless properly
"hardened." Fresh cut hydrangea do best when arranged in a deep container with
plenty of water. |
