Detailed Guide to Hydrangea Varieties for Florists
Hydrangeas are beloved in the floral industry for their voluminous blooms, vibrant colors, and versatility in arrangements. These shrubby perennials offer large, showy flower heads that can serve as focal points in bouquets, centerpieces, or event decor. Native to Asia and the Americas, hydrangeas come in various species and cultivars, each with unique characteristics suited to different floral designs. This guide is tailored for florists, covering key varieties, their attributes, care tips for cut flowers, seasonal considerations, and best practices to maximize vase life and aesthetic appeal.
As a florist, understanding hydrangea varieties helps in sourcing, pricing, and creating stunning arrangements. Note that hydrangea colors can shift based on soil pH (acidic for blues, alkaline for pinks), but for cut flowers, you'll work with pre-harvested blooms. Always source from reputable wholesalers to ensure quality and sustainability.
Main Types of Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are broadly classified into several species, with hundreds of cultivars bred for size, color, and hardiness. The most common for florists are mophead, lacecap, panicle, and smooth hydrangeas. Below, I'll outline the primary types, their varieties, and floral applications.
1. Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Description: Also known as French hydrangeas, these feature large, rounded or flat-topped blooms. They come in mophead (dense, globe-shaped) and lacecap (flatter with fertile centers surrounded by showy florets) forms. Blooms are typically 4-8 inches wide.
Color Range: Pink, blue, purple, white; colors can be adjusted post-harvest with dyes or pH treatments.
Popular Varieties for Florists:
Endless Summer: Repeat bloomer with mophead flowers in blue or pink. Excellent vase life (7-10 days). Ideal for wedding bouquets due to its sturdy stems.
Cityline Series (e.g., Cityline Paris): Compact mopheads in vivid reds and pinks. Great for smaller arrangements; drought-tolerant once cut.
Nikko Blue: Classic blue mophead. Affordable and abundant; perfect for bulk orders like event centerpieces.
Let's Dance Series (e.g., Let's Dance Blue Jangles): Lacecap with reblooming ability. Adds texture to mixed bouquets.
Floral Uses: Focal flowers in bridal work, sympathy arrangements, or modern minimalist designs. Pair with roses or lilies for contrast.
Seasonal Availability: Peak in summer (June-August), but greenhouse varieties available year-round.
2. Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
Description: Cone-shaped blooms that start white or green and age to pink or red. Taller stems (up to 18 inches) make them versatile for height in arrangements.
Color Range: White to pink/red; less pH-sensitive.
Popular Varieties for Florists:
Limelight: Lime-green blooms fading to pink. Long vase life (10-14 days); popular for fall weddings.
Pinky Winky: Bicolor cones (white tips, pink base). Adds drama to large installations.
Quick Fire: Early bloomer with red-tinged flowers. Sturdy for outdoor events.
Little Lime: Dwarf version of Limelight; suits compact bouquets or boutonnieres.
Floral Uses: Provides vertical interest in tall vases or arches. Excellent for drying and preserving in everlasting arrangements.
Seasonal Availability: Late summer to fall (July-October); extends shelf life in cool storage.
3. Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Description: Native to North America, with large, snowball-like blooms on strong stems. More tolerant of heat and sun than bigleaf types.
Color Range: Mostly white, with some pink cultivars.
Popular Varieties for Florists:
Annabelle: Iconic white mopheads up to 12 inches wide. Budget-friendly and high-impact for mass displays.
Incrediball: Improved Annabelle with even larger, sturdier blooms. Vase life of 8-12 days.
Invincibelle Series (e.g., Invincibelle Ruby): Pink/red blooms for color pops.
Floral Uses: Filler in lush, garden-style bouquets or as bases for foam-free designs. Their neutral white complements any palette.
Seasonal Availability: Mid-summer (June-July); often available dried year-round.
4. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Description: Distinct oak-shaped leaves and elongated, cone-like blooms. More rustic and textural than other types.
Color Range: White to pink/purple; foliage turns red in fall for added interest.
Popular Varieties for Florists:
Snowflake: Double-flowered cones for a frilly look.
Pee Wee: Compact form suitable for smaller arrangements.
Floral Uses: Adds a woodland vibe to boho or autumnal designs. Leaves can be used as greenery.
Seasonal Availability: Summer to fall (June-September); less common in cut flower trade but gaining popularity.
5. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
Description: Vine-like with lacecap blooms. Not as common for cut flowers due to shorter stems.
Color Range: White.
Popular Varieties: Standard form; rarely bred for cultivars.
Floral Uses: Occasional use in cascading arrangements or garlands.
Seasonal Availability: Early summer (May-June).
6. Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
Description: Similar to bigleaf but more compact and cold-hardy, with lacecap blooms.
Color Range: Blue, pink, white.
Popular Varieties: Tuff Stuff series (e.g., Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha): Reblooming and resilient.
Floral Uses: Subtle accents in mixed bouquets.
Seasonal Availability: Summer (June-August).
Comparison of Key Varieties
Here is a list comparing popular varieties based on florist-relevant traits:
Endless Summer:
Type: Bigleaf
Bloom Size: 6-8 inches
Vase Life: 7-10 days
Colors Available: Blue, Pink
Best For: Weddings, Bouquets
Price Range (per stem): $2-4
Limelight:
Type: Panicle
Bloom Size: 8-12 inches
Vase Life: 10-14 days
Colors Available: Green/Pink
Best For: Tall Arrangements, Fall
Price Range (per stem): $3-5
Annabelle:
Type: Smooth
Bloom Size: 10-12 inches
Vase Life: 8-12 days
Colors Available: White
Best For: Mass Displays, Fillers
Price Range (per stem): $1-3
Nikko Blue:
Type: Bigleaf
Bloom Size: 5-7 inches
Vase Life: 7-10 days
Colors Available: Blue
Best For: Centerpieces
Price Range (per stem): $2-3
Pinky Winky:
Type: Panicle
Bloom Size: 12-16 inches
Vase Life: 10-14 days
Colors Available: White/Pink
Best For: Dramatic Installations
Price Range (per stem): $4-6
Incrediball:
Type: Smooth
Bloom Size: 12+ inches
Vase Life: 8-12 days
Colors Available: White
Best For: Large Bouquets
Price Range (per stem): $2-4
Prices are approximate wholesale estimates as of 2025; vary by region and season.
Care and Handling for Cut Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers and wilt easily if not handled properly. Follow these steps to ensure longevity:
Harvesting/Sourcing: Cut in the morning when hydrated. Choose blooms that are 50-75% open for optimal vase life.
Conditioning: Remove lower leaves. Dip stems in boiling water for 30 seconds or alum powder solution to prevent wilting (hydrangeas have a sap that clogs stems).
Hydration: Use floral preservative in clean water. Change water every 2 days. Keep in cool (60-65°F), humid conditions away from direct sun, fruit (ethylene gas), or drafts.
Vase Life Extension: For wilted blooms, submerge entire flower head in cool water for 1-2 hours. Avoid misting as it can cause spotting.
Common Issues:
Wilting: Due to air bubbles; recut stems under water.
Color Fading: Store in low light; use anti-transpirants for events.
Pests/Diseases: Check for aphids or powdery mildew upon arrival; quarantine if needed.
Design Tips: Use oasis foam sparingly as it can dry them out. Pair with sturdy stems like eucalyptus for support. For color-changing effects, experiment with pH-altering solutions (e.g., vinegar for blues).
Seasonal and Sourcing Considerations
Peak Seasons: Summer-dominant (June-September in Northern Hemisphere), but imports from South America extend availability.
Sustainability: Opt for locally grown or certified sustainable sources to reduce carbon footprint. Varieties like Endless Summer are bred for disease resistance, minimizing chemical use.
Trends in 2025: Demand for bicolor and petite varieties is rising for eco-friendly, foam-free designs. Dried hydrangeas are popular for year-round use in bohemian styles.
Sourcing Tips: Wholesale markets like Aalsmeer (Netherlands) or domestic farms in the U.S. (e.g., California, Oregon). Check for certifications like MPS or Fair Trade.
