Flowers + Plants 101
Say Hi To Your BloomsyBox Hydrangeas
Friday, April 20, 2018
The hydrangea is the gift that keeps on giving, because each flower contains clusters of tiny blooms. One hydrangea flower is like a bouquet in and of itself. Although quite popular in contemporary America, hydrangeas have a storied past dating back millions of years. Here is a bit of meaning behind this popular flower and four simple ways to keep them #BloomingHappy longer!
Meaning of the hydrangea
When it comes to the meaning behind the hydrangea flower, there’s a bit of a heated debate! The bundles of blooms have been said to represent gratitude and graciousness. Think about it: if you wanted to express how indebted you were to someone, would you bring them one flower, or several? Since the hydrangea flower contains lots of smaller blooms, it’s like several flowers in one. That’s the idea behind the hydrangea representing gratitude.
However, the same abundant characteristics of the hydrangea that represent thankfulness have also been said to represent another sentiment entirely: vanity. After all, the hydrangea is pretty out there, with its glorious bundles of blooms. We understand where this explanation comes from, but we choose to associate the opulence of the hydrangea flower with confidence as opposed to haughtiness. The hydrangea is proudly beautiful, but there’s nothing wrong with that!
The hydrangea is perfect to present to someone who has been there for you countless times. They make for lovely birthday presents, or spontaneous gestures that say, ‘I’m just glad you’re here with me.’ Because of their spectacular beauty, they’re also wonderful to gift to someone who is feeling a little low on confidence and needs a pick-me-up.
Additionally, hydrangeas are the gift for the 4th wedding anniversary. If you’re approaching 4 years of marriage, consider the hydrangea as a wedding gift. You can also use the hydrangea as a token of recognition of four years of a relationship, or even a friendship. Hydrangeas work for romantic and friendly relationships alike.
Caring for the hydrangea
Hydrangeas can last for several days with the proper care. In fact, there are a few tricks you can follow to keep your blooms fresh and beautiful for as long as possible.
- Use hot water – you heard us! Trim each hydrangea stem under water individually. Immediately after trimming it, place the flower in the hot water for 30 seconds, then in a vase of room temperature water. Because you should do all of the steps quickly (trim, seep, switch), we recommend working with each hydrangea stem individually.
- Home Guides recommends removing your flowers, washing and sterilizing the vase with 1 part bleach and 9 parts water, refilling it with fresh water and feed, then transferring your flowers back regularly. However, if you don’t want to bother with cleaning your vase so extensively, simply remember to change your hydrangeas’ water every other day. You should also be sure to trim away any dead leaves. That is, unless you want to save them for a future project such as a wreath.
- Hydrangeas should be kept out of glaring sunlight, preferably in a cooler room. One idea is to set your vase of hydrangeas in the center of your dining table, or in your bedroom. If you have windows, perhaps draw the blinds, or move the hydrangeas somewhere in the room that’s less directly in the sun.
- Last but not least, here’s a fun fact for you! Hydrangeas soak up some of their moisture directly through their blooms. Spraying your arrangement with fresh, room temperature water regularly can help keep them hydrated and lasting longer in the vase.
*Did you receive your BloomsyBox of hydrangeas this month? Share your photos with us by tagging @BloomsyBox and using #BloomingHappy / #BloomsyBox. If you haven’t given us a try yet, be sure to subscribe here to get beautiful blooms sent to you on the regular! *
The hydrangea is perfect to present to someone who has been there for you countless times. They make for lovely birthday presents, or spontaneous gestures that say, ‘I’m just glad you’re here with me.
