THE LORD MADE THEM ALL: THE HYDRANGEA PLANT

 

THE HYDRANGEA PLANT

Hydrangea, commonly named the hortensia, is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan.

Hydrangeas grow best in moist, well-drained soil and dappled shade, not too sunny and not too shady. For a very shaded spot, such as a north-facing wall, grow the climbing hydrangea Hydrangea anomala subspecies.

Most are shrubs 1–3 m (3 ft 3 in – 9 ft 10 in) tall, but some are small trees, and others lianas reaching up to 30 m (100 ft) by climbing up trees. They can be either deciduous or evergreen, though the widely cultivated temperate species are all deciduous.

The flowers of many hydrangea act as natural pH indicators, sporting blue flowers when the soil is acidic and pink ones when the soil is alkaline.

Hydrangea is a plant. The root and rhizome (underground stem) are used to make medicine. Hydrangea is used for urinary tract problems such as infections of the bladder, urethra and prostate; enlarged prostate; and kidney stones. It is also used for hay fever.

Climbing Hydrangeas will grow up tree trunks, fences, stone walls, or even as a ground cover. These vines have large lacecap flowers reaching up to eight inches wide. Flowers can last for two months. When the flowers have passed, deadhead them off the shrub and enjoy the pretty yellow fall foliage.

The leaves of the Hydrangea serrata can be used to make sweet tea.

Hydrangea flowers, when cut, dehydrate easily and wilt very quickly due to the large surface area of the petals. A wilted hydrangea may have its hydration restored by first having its stem immersed in boiling water; as the petals of the hydrangea can also absorb water, the petals may then be immersed, in room-temperature water, to restore the flower's hydration.

The hydrangea encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, ranging from abundance, heartfelt emotion, gratitude, and boastfulness, with each interpretation rooted in cultural history, beliefs, and narratives. In Japanese culture, the association with apologies originates from a specific legend surrounding the flower.

ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL, THE LORD GOD MADE THEM ALL