hydrangea macrophylla hortensis
Noun: * A cultivated variety of the common hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), characterized by its large, showy, rounded flower clusters (called corymbs or "mopheads"). The notable feature of this plant is that the color of its blossoms can change, often opening green and then aging to shades of pink, blue, or purple, influenced by the acidity (pH) of the soil.
This term is used specifically in horticulture, botany, and gardening to identify this popular ornamental shrub. It is often used in plant catalogs, garden center labels, and by gardening enthusiasts. * For a classic cottage garden, consider planting Hydrangea macrophylla hortensis. * The soil's pH level determines whether your Hydrangea macrophylla hortensis will produce blue or pink flowers.
- The term is frequently shortened in common usage to simply "hortensia" or "mophead hydrangea."
- In scientific or precise horticultural contexts, the full Latin name is used to distinguish it from other subspecies or varieties within the species.
- Hortensia: A common name for this cultivated variety.
- Mophead hydrangea / Bigleaf hydrangea: Descriptive common names referring to the shape of its flower clusters and the size of its leaves.
- Lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla var. normalis): A related variety within the same species, distinguished by its flat flower clusters with a center of small, fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, sterile ones.
- Florist's hydrangea
- French hydrangea
- Common hydrangea (though this can refer more broadly to the species)
- Soil pH for hydrangeas: A common gardening phrase directly related to the care and color manipulation of . For example: "To get blue flowers, you must adjust the soil pH for your hydrangeas."
- deciduous shrub bearing roundheaded flower clusters opening green and aging to pink or blue