The Symbolism and Meaning Behind Blue Hydrangeas

With their voluminous blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue and white hydrangeas are among the showiest flowers for gardens and floral arrangements. But beyond beauty, the colors of these classic blossoms hold symbolic meaning, especially the rare hue of blue. So what exactly do blue hydrangeas represent and what’s the story behind their significance?

A History of Heartache and Regret

While hydrangeas originated in Japan, much of their meaning comes from European folklore dating back centuries. According to legend, young women who grew hydrangeas would never marry. This belief was based on the flowers’ reputation for being unlucky in love.

In medieval times, it was said that hydrangeas represented frigidity or disinterest. The flowers became associated with rejecting romantic affection. Victorian gentlemen would gift hydrangeas to ladies who turned down their advances as a sarcastic message.

But one poignant origin story cemented blue hydrangeas as a symbol of apology and regret. As the myth goes a Japanese emperor gave the blossoms to his beloved’s family to make amends for neglecting her. Thus the blue hydrangea came to represent admitting wrongdoing and asking forgiveness.

Unique Color Represents Rare Remorse

So why specifically the blue hydrangea for regret and apology? For starters, true blue flowers are exceptionally rare in nature. The pigment that produces blue, anthocyanin, is difficult to generate in many species.

Hydrangea flowers are actually made up of sepals, not petals. By altering soil chemistry, growers can manipulate sepals to turn blue, producing a cool, tranquil color found nowhere else. Blue’s rarity parallels the sincerity of the emotion.

Additionally, blue evokes a cold feeling reminiscent of sadness or melancholy. The pigmentation occurs when hydrangea sepals contain high levels of aluminum, which prevents pink hues from emerging. Therefore, blue is seen as the absence of cheer, reflecting remorse and solemnity.

Customs and Symbolism Around the World

Across cultures, the symbolism of blue hydrangeas is relatively consistent. They make a thoughtful gift to offer sincerely when you want to admit fault and apologize.

In the West, Victorians shunned hydrangeas as bringers of bad romance, but blue hydrangeas could redeem the situation. Offering these unusual blooms showed acceptance of responsibility for heartbreak or rejection.

Similarly, in Asia, the emperor’s gesture set the tone for blue hydrangeas representing regret. This customary meaning persists in Japan where the blossoms are part of the charming rainy season blooming.

How to Send the Right Message

With their layered history, be mindful of what blue hydrangeas communicate when you give them. Avoid inadvertently conveying the wrong sentiment like:

• Interest is not reciprocated
• Asking for forgiveness when you’re not sorry
• Making light of a delicate situation

Instead, select blue hydrangeas when you wish to:

• Apologize sincerely after an argument
• Admit fault gracefully in a misunderstanding
• Convey condolences at a sad time

Choose Companion Flowers Carefully

Take care in pairing blue hydrangeas with other floral emblems. Some complementary or contrasting blooms include:

• White roses for purity and new beginnings
• Ivy for fidelity and eternal bonds
• Daisies for innocence or gentleness
• Lilacs to match the blue tones

Avoid mixing blue hydrangeas with:

• Yellow tulips (for hopeless love)
• Orange lilies (for hatred)
• Gladioli (for rejection)

Make Blue Hydrangeas Part of Your Garden

If you’re smitten with their symbolism, make blue hydrangeas a garden focal point. Look for varieties like:

• Nikko Blue – A classic mophead with intense color
• Blues Festival – Lacecap type with eye-catching center
• Blue Wave – Subtly colored at first then rich blue

Site them in acidic soil in semi-shade. Mulch to retain moisture. Fertilize with aluminum sulfate to enhance blue pigments. Prune just after blooming. With a little work, you can enjoy these poignant flowers for years.

So the next time you see a potted blue hydrangea or gorgeous bouquet, appreciate the deep cultural meaning they represent. And when words fail, let blue hydrangeas speak volumes in their own voice.