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Florist’s Guide to Hydrangea Colours
Hydrangeas are beloved for their lush, cloud-like blooms and ever-changing colours. Their wide palette — from crisp whites to vivid blues and deep purples — makes them a staple for both garden and floral design work. Understanding their colour variations helps florists create stunning, intentional arrangements.
1. Understanding Hydrangea Colour Basics
Hydrangea colour is largely influenced by soil pH and aluminium availability in the soil:
- Acidic soil (pH below 6) → blue to purple-blue blooms.
- Neutral soil (pH 6–7) → lavender to pinkish-purple blooms.
- Alkaline soil (pH above 7) → pink to red blooms.
White hydrangeas are the exception — their colour remains constant regardless of pH.
In cut flower production, hydrangea colours are stabilized through controlled growing conditions, but understanding these natural principles helps florists communicate with growers and clients alike.
2. Main Hydrangea Colour Categories
A. White Hydrangeas
Varieties: ‘Annabelle’, ‘Snowball’, ‘Endless Summer White’, ‘Arborescens’
Symbolism: Purity, grace, new beginnings
Design Use:
- Perfect for weddings and classic arrangements
- Combine with greenery for an elegant monochrome palette
- Ideal base for soft pastel schemes
Pro Tip: White hydrangeas may take on a slight green or blush tint as they age — a charming vintage look perfect for rustic or garden-style bouquets.
B. Blue Hydrangeas
Varieties: ‘Nikko Blue’, ‘Endless Summer Blue’, ‘Blue Mophead’
Symbolism: Serenity, understanding, gratitude
Design Use:
- Beautiful for calming, coastal, or nautical designs
- Pair with white roses or lisianthus for a crisp palette
- Works well in sympathy or “thank you” arrangements
Pro Tip: To maintain blue tones in vase arrangements, use neutral pH water — high pH tap water can turn them slightly purple over time.
C. Pink Hydrangeas
Varieties: ‘Forever Pink’, ‘Endless Summer Pink’, ‘Pia’
Symbolism: Romance, joy, heartfelt emotion
Design Use:
- Lovely for weddings, birthdays, and celebrations
- Mix with peach roses, carnations, or dahlias for warmth
- Combine with deep burgundy tones for a rich, feminine palette
Pro Tip: Bright pink hydrangeas pop beautifully against dusty greens like eucalyptus or olive.
D. Purple & Lavender Hydrangeas
Varieties: ‘Endless Summer Twist-n-Shout’, ‘You & Me Together’, ‘Mathilda Gutges’
Symbolism: Mystery, elegance, abundance
Design Use:
- Great transitional hue between blue and pink
- Pairs beautifully with lilac, mauve, and silver foliage
- Elegant in springtime or romantic event work
Pro Tip: These shades can shift subtly depending on lighting — ideal for moody or twilight arrangements.
E. Green Hydrangeas
Varieties: ‘Limelight’, ‘Magical Revolution’, ‘Annabelle Green’
Symbolism: Renewal, youth, good fortune
Design Use:
- Adds texture and freshness to bouquets
- Works beautifully in modern, minimalist, or tropical designs
- Perfect filler flower to soften strong colour palettes
Pro Tip: Green hydrangeas age gracefully — drying into antique pink and burgundy tones for preserved or rustic arrangements.
F. Antique & Multi-Tone Hydrangeas
Varieties: ‘Magical Coral’, ‘Classic Antique’, ‘Pistachio’
Symbolism: Maturity, gratitude, timeless beauty
Design Use:
- Highly prized for autumn and vintage themes
- Their shifting tones (green, pink, burgundy, blue) create depth and visual richness
- Stunning in dried flower arrangements
Pro Tip: “Antique” hydrangeas have naturally faded petals — not a flaw, but a mark of beauty and texture.
3. Florist Care & Handling Tips
- Hydration: Hydrangeas are water-loving. Recut stems at a sharp angle and submerge them in cool water immediately.
- Conditioning: Remove lower leaves to prevent rot. Submerge heads briefly in water if petals appear wilted.
- Revival: A drooping hydrangea can often be revived by submerging the entire bloom (head and stem) in cool water for 20–30 minutes.
- Storage: Keep them cool (not cold) and humid; avoid direct airflow which can dehydrate blooms.
- Longevity Tip: Use floral preservative or add a teaspoon of sugar and a drop of bleach to the vase water.
4. Design Pairings by Colour Mood
| Hydrangea Colour | Complements | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| White | Soft blush roses, dusty miller | Weddings, classic events |
| Blue | White lilies, thistle, silver foliage | Coastal, calming designs |
| Pink | Peonies, dahlias, roses | Romantic or festive events |
| Purple | Lavender, lisianthus, eucalyptus | Elegant or moody themes |
| Green | Orchids, succulents, tropical leaves | Modern or natural looks |
| Antique | Dried grasses, berries, muted tones | Autumn, rustic or vintage styles |
5. Seasonal & Market Notes
- Peak Season: Late spring to early autumn (varies by region)
- Availability: Year-round from growers (particularly from Colombia, Ecuador, and the Netherlands)
- Preserved & Dried Options: Excellent for extending the season and creating textural contrast in modern designs
6. Quick Reference: Colour Shifts
| Starting Colour | Ageing Tones | Florist Use |
|---|---|---|
| White | Cream → Green | Vintage or neutral designs |
| Blue | Blue → Green → Burgundy | Late-summer arrangements |
| Pink | Bright → Rose → Antique Mauve | Romantic or fall palettes |
| Green | Lime → Blush | Modern or textured bouquets |