Over 2000 Varieties Exist! This Year, Let’s Learn to Distinguish Between These 6 Types of Hydrangeas♡

There are various kinds of hydrangeas＊

Hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season every year♡

They are cute flowers with a fluffy, rounded shape and soft colors.

In the past, the flower language associated with hydrangeas was “fickle and unfaithful” due to their changing colors, which gave them a negative image.

However, they are now used in wedding decorations and bouquets, and many people love them♡

Did you know that there are many different kinds of hydrangeas?

The type of hydrangea that you often see around the city or can easily imagine is probably this kind, but...

In fact, there are many types of hydrangeas that look different!

(It is said that there are over 2,000 varieties of hydrangeas around the world!)

Among them, this time I will introduce varieties of hydrangeas that are familiar in Japan＊

Wouldn't it be cool to be able to say, “This hydrangea is the variety of ○○” from this year? ♡

It would be the best if you could distinguish them＊

Type of hydrangea ① Annabelle

Annabelle is a hydrangea native to North America. It blooms pure white flowers from green buds♡

Compared to the hydrangeas native to Japan, the branches are thinner and the ornamental flowers (the developed part of the sepal) are smaller, giving it a delicate and pure impression.

When Annabelle blooms densely, it is said to look like “a fluffy sea of clouds”♡

It is an easy-to-grow hydrangea for beginners because it is highly resistant to cold and heat.

Type of hydrangea ② Gakuajisai

Gakuajisai is a hydrangea born in Japan.

It has a distinctive appearance, with small flowers resembling buds blooming on the inside and larger flowers on the outside♡

It blooms in a way that resembles a picture frame, making it easy to remember!

One of the characteristics of gakuajisai is that its color is influenced by the pH level of the soil.

While you can't tell until it blooms, it often turns purple or blue♩

By the way, the flower language of gakuajisai alone is “humility.”

It is said that this meaning was derived from the fact that it has fewer ornamental flowers than regular hydrangeas, making its appearance seem humble.

Type of hydrangea ③ Honajisai

Honajisai is a horticultural variety derived from gakuajisai.

However, it is now the most well-known and common hydrangea＊

It is characterized by its fluffy, rounded shape of the flower cluster, quintessential of hydrangeas!

Most of the hydrangeas blooming in the city or parks are Honajisai, making it the most familiar sight for Japanese people.

It blooms in a variety of colors such as white, pink, light blue, and purple＊

Type of hydrangea ④ Seyouajisai

Seyouajisai is a variety that was newly bred from Japanese hydrangeas by the French and imported back to Japan from Europe.

It is also known in English as Hydrangea.

Like Honajisai, it blooms in a fluffy, rounded flower shape＊

Its appearance is almost the same as Honajisai, but it tends to grow larger.

The vivid gradation of colors is also an appealing point♩

Type of hydrangea ⑤ Yamajisai

Yamajisai, also known as Sawajisai, is a variety that often blooms near water, such as in marshy areas.

It has a similar appearance to gakuajisai, blooming ornamental flowers on the outside♡

The difference from gakuajisai is that yamajisai is slightly smaller in size＊

The thin, elongated shape of the leaves is also one of the distinguishing features.

Type of hydrangea ⑥ Cotton Candy

Lastly, I would like to introduce the cute hydrangea variety “Cotton Candy,” which has colors reminiscent of cotton candy♡

A characteristic feature is that the color of the petals changes from the beginning of blooming to full bloom and then later, starting from a refined cream white and shifting to a soft pink.

As it advances in blooming, it turns into an antique green color, allowing it to be enjoyed for a long time from spring to early summer♡

Let's Enjoy Hydrangeas Even More♡

Although they may look similar, each variety of hydrangea is slightly different♡

Upon investigation, I found that there is so much depth to them...!

When the season for hydrangeas comes, if you think “Is this gakuajisai or annabelle?” it gives a feeling of understanding♩

Let's become more knowledgeable about hydrangeas♡

@haruno45