In the non-verbal language of flowers, hydrangeas convey different messages. Anyone who uses this floral symbolism to express their feelings should be aware of its sometimes explosive meaning. Read here what hydrangeas mean and communicate.
What do hydrangeas mean in flower language?
In the language of flowers, hydrangeas symbolize above all respect, admiration, generosity, grace, beauty and gratitude. Pink hydrangea varieties represent eternal love and connection, while white hydrangeas represent sadness and transience.
What is the meaning of hydrangeas in flower language?
First and foremost, hydrangeas are a sign ofrespect and admiration The impressive inflorescences made up of myriad small show flowers symbolize generosity and abundance. Hydrangeas also represent grace, beauty and gratitude. Pink hydrangea varieties symbolize eternal love and connection.
The dark side of the symbolism of hydrangeas are negative interpretations, such as vanity and a desire for recognition. The symbolic interpretation of white hydrangea flowers is explosive. The color white is closely associated with death and transience. This meaning makes hydrangeas the ideal mourning bouquet.
What does the German name hydrangea mean?
There areseveral versions circulating about the meaning of the German name hydrangea. There is a prosaic, a romantic and two reverent versions:
- Hydrenea is derived from the Latin hortus for garden, meaning “belonging to the garden”.
- Botanist Philibert Commerson wanted to honor French scientist Nicole-Reine 'Hortense' Lepaute.
- Commerson's inspiration for the plant name was his lover, the daring naturalist Jeanne Baret.
- Commerson most likely named the hydrangea after Madame Hortense de Nassau, whose father took part in the legendary Bougainville expedition.
What is the meaning of the botanical name Hydrangea?
The name Hydrangea was first mentioned in 1739 in Flora Virginia. It is named after the Dutch botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius (1686-1762). When coming up with the name, Gronovius referred to the two Greek terms hydro for water and angeion for jug. Either the translationwater jug stands for the growth habit or the high water requirement of hydrangeas.
Tip
Blue hydrangeas mean: No, I don't want to
In Japan, hydrangeas have a special meaning for those wanting to get married. While pink hydrangeas in the bridal bouquet symbolize eternal love, blue hydrangeas mean the exact opposite. In order to unambiguously reject a marriage proposal, the woman she loves presents the applicant with a hydrangea with blue flowers. This interpretation may be due to the fact that pink hydrangeas turn blue in highly acidic soil.
