Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Boasting magnificent blooms, hydrangeas are associated with many cultures, with each having its own interpretation of what the flower symbolises – from heartfelt emotions to heartlessness, as well as abundance and prosperity.

Native to Japan, hydrangeas have since been introduced to many parts of the world such as New Zealand, parts of Southeast Asia and Central and South America. In addition to being a common landscaping option or part of houseplant collections, it serves as a popular cut flower choice for centrepieces or bouquets.

The large mophead flowers of hydrangeas are made up of individual blooms that are relatively inconspicuous but enhanced by a ring of bracts (or modified leaves) around each flower. The striking colours of hydrangeas are from these modified leaves, designed to attract pollinators. A familiar example of modified leaves can also be observed in bougainvillea.

Hydrangeas can also change from pink to blue and vice versa! The colours can be controlled by manipulating the pH levels in the soil – by adding lime to raise the pH level to achieve pink blooms or sulphur to lower the pH level for blue ones!