Florist’s Guide to Hydrangea Colors

Hydrangeas are beloved for their vibrant, versatile blooms, which come in a range of colors influenced by species, soil conditions, and care. This guide provides florists with insights into hydrangea color variations, their meanings, and tips for achieving or maintaining desired hues.

Common Hydrangea Colors and Their Influences

1. Blue Hydrangeas

• Species: Primarily Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangeas, including mopheads and lacecaps).

• Soil Conditions: Blue hues are achieved in acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 or lower. Aluminum ions in the soil, accessible in acidic conditions, interact with anthocyanin pigments in the flowers to produce blue tones.

• Care Tips:

  • Add aluminum sulfate or organic matter like coffee grounds or pine needles to lower soil pH.

  • Test soil pH regularly to maintain acidity.

  • Use distilled water or rainwater for watering, as tap water may raise pH.

• Best Uses: Blue hydrangeas symbolize serenity, apology, or gratitude, making them ideal for calming arrangements or sympathy bouquets.

2. Pink Hydrangeas

• Species: Also Hydrangea macrophylla.

• Soil Conditions: Pink blooms occur in neutral to alkaline soil with a pH of 6.5 or higher, where aluminum is less available, shifting pigments to pink or reddish tones.

• Care Tips:

  • Add garden lime to increase soil pH if blue hydrangeas are turning pink unintentionally.

  • Avoid aluminum-rich fertilizers.

  • Monitor soil pH to prevent unwanted color shifts.

• Best Uses: Pink hydrangeas convey romance, heartfelt emotions, or celebration, perfect for weddings or cheerful centerpieces.

3. White Hydrangeas

• Species: Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf), and Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangeas, like Annabelle).

• Soil Conditions: White hydrangeas are unaffected by soil pH, as their blooms lack the pigments that change with aluminum availability.

• Care Tips:

  • Maintain consistent watering, as white blooms can brown if stressed.

  • Prune after blooming to encourage next season’s flowers.

• Best Uses: Symbolizing purity and grace, white hydrangeas are staples for bridal bouquets, elegant arrangements, or minimalist designs.

4. Purple and Lavender Hydrangeas

• Species: Hydrangea macrophylla.

• Soil Conditions: These shades appear in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–6.5), where aluminum availability is moderate, creating a blend of blue and pink tones.

• Care Tips:

  • Fine-tune soil pH with small amounts of aluminum sulfate or lime to achieve desired shades.

  • Avoid extreme pH changes to maintain consistent coloring.

• Best Uses: Purple hydrangeas represent creativity and royalty, ideal for bold, artistic arrangements or luxury events.

5. Green Hydrangeas

• Species: Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata, or Hydrangea arborescens.

• Soil Conditions: Green hues may appear naturally in certain cultivars (e.g., Limelight) or during bloom transitions (e.g., aging white blooms or early-stage colored blooms).

• Care Tips:

  • Select green cultivars like ‘Limelight’ or ‘Pistachio’ for reliable green tones.

  • Protect from excessive sun to prevent fading or browning.

• Best Uses: Green hydrangeas symbolize renewal and nature, adding a fresh, organic touch to rustic or modern arrangements.

6. Red and Deep Pink Hydrangeas

• Species: Hydrangea macrophylla or specific cultivars like ‘Endless Summer’ or ‘Fire Light’.

• Soil Conditions: Reddish tones emerge in alkaline soil (pH 6.5–7.0 or higher), often enhanced by breeding in newer cultivars.

• Care Tips:

  • Use lime to maintain higher pH for vibrant reds.

  • Choose red-specific cultivars for consistent results.

• Best Uses: Red hydrangeas signify passion and energy, perfect for dramatic focal points or romantic bouquets.

Tips for Florists

• Color Control: Educate clients that Hydrangea macrophylla colors can shift based on soil pH, while other species (paniculata, arborescens) have fixed colors. For consistent colors, select cultivars bred for specific hues (e.g., ‘Nikko Blue’ for blue, ‘Pinky Winky’ for pink).

• Arrangement Longevity: Hydrangeas are water-intensive. Keep stems in water immediately after cutting, and use floral preservatives to extend vase life. Dip cut ends in boiling water or floral sealant for better hydration.

• Seasonal Availability: Hydrangeas bloom primarily in summer to early fall, but greenhouse-grown or imported blooms can extend availability. Check with suppliers for off-season colors.

• Design Versatility: Their large, lush blooms make hydrangeas ideal for filling space in bouquets or centerpieces. Pair with contrasting textures like eucalyptus or delicate flowers like baby’s breath for balance.

• Client Communication: When selling potted hydrangeas, explain how soil pH affects color for macrophylla varieties, and provide care instructions to maintain desired hues.

Popular Hydrangea Cultivars by Color

• Blue: ‘Nikko Blue’, ‘Endless Summer’, ‘Twist-n-Shout’.

• Pink: ‘Pinky Winky’, ‘Blushing Bride’, ‘Invincibelle Spirit’.

• White: ‘Annabelle’, ‘Incrediball’, ‘Snow Queen’.

• Purple/Lavender: ‘Tuff Stuff’, ‘Let’s Dance’, ‘Cityline Rio’.

• Green: ‘Limelight’, ‘Little Lime’, ‘Pistachio’.

• Red: ‘Fire Light’, ‘Strawberry Sundae’, ‘Red Sensation’.

By understanding hydrangea color dynamics and care, florists can create stunning arrangements tailored to client preferences and ensure vibrant, long-lasting blooms.