AT A GLANCE
In the language of flowers, hydrangeas symbolize above all respect, admiration, generosity, grace, beauty and gratitude. Pink hydrangea varieties represent everlasting love and connection, while white hydrangeas represent sadness and impermanence.
What is the meaning of hydrangeas in flower language?
In the first place are hydrangeas a sign for respect and admiration. The impressive inflorescences of myriad small show flowers symbolize generosity and abundance. Furthermore, hydrangeas stand for grace, beauty and gratitude. Pink hydrangea varieties symbolize everlasting love and connection.
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The dark side of the symbolism of hydrangeas are negative interpretations, such as vanity and craving for recognition. The symbolic interpretation of white is explosive hydrangea flowers. The color white is closely associated with death and impermanence. This meaning, in turn, makes hydrangeas the ideal funeral bouquet.
What is the meaning of the German name Hydrangea?
To circulate about the meaning of the German name Hydrangea multiple versions. There is a prosaic, a romantic, and two deferential variants:
- Hydrangea 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 used his lover, the daring naturalist Jeanne Baret, as inspiration for the plant name.
- Most likely, Commerson 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?
In 1739 the term hydrangea was first mentioned in Flora Virginia. It is named after the Dutch botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius (1686-1762). When choosing the name, Gronovius referred to the two Greek terms hydro for water and angeion for pitcher. Either the translation stands water pitcher for the growth form 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 who want to marry. While pink hydrangeas in the bridal bouquet symbolize eternal love, blue hydrangeas mean the exact opposite. In order to unequivocally reject a marriage proposal, the beloved presents the suitor with a hydrangea with blue flowers. This interpretation may be due to the fact that pink hydrangeas grow in highly acidic soil color blue.
