ExplorePlant

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are large, round flowers that can change color! They are often seen in gardens and are loved for their beauty.

Habitat: Hydrangeas love to grow in gardens with plenty of water.

Appearance

The Hydrangea has large, vibrant flower clusters that can be mop-like or flat-topped (lacecap). Its blossoms come in shades of white, pink, blue, purple, or green, uniquely changing hue based on soil acidity. Leaves are typically broad and serrated.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCornalesFamilyHydrangeaceaeGenusHydrangea

Hydrangea

Interesting facts

Fossils show hydrangeas existed with dinosaurs millions of years ago, long before humans!

Some hydrangea flower clusters can grow bigger than a soccer ball!

The name 'Hydrangea' means 'water vessel' because these beautiful plants are super thirsty!

You can change a hydrangea's flower color by adding special ingredients to its soil!

Special abilities

Hydrangea flowers can change from pink to blue or purple depending on the soil's acidity, a unique chemical reaction!

Hydrangea can quickly wilt when dry but dramatically rehydrate, efficiently absorbing water to bounce back to life.

Hydrangea sheds its leaves in cold climates to protect itself during winter, conserving energy for beautiful spring blooms.

Measurements & details

Height: 100-300 cm
Spread: 100-300 cm
Flower Size: 1-3 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for nectar and pollen

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

attracted to showy flower clusters

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

deer browse on leaves and stems

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Cluster Flower

Discover how these flowers grow together in beautiful groups, creating a big splash of color that catches your eye. It's like a tiny bouquet, all natural!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.