Seaside holiday escapes provide balmy beach days taking in the sea, surf and sand, but they can also include soothing vistas of hydrangea heaven, whether you travel from Martha’s Vineyard down along the coastline to Wildwood.

Hydrangea is a shrub on which grows large conical flowerheads of poufy clusters containing multitudes of small sized blossoms. Depending upon the acidity of the soil in which it grows, hydrangeas can bloom in an array of colors including pink, purple, burgundy and soft green. It’s most widely known for the variety having stunning purplish blue flowers. Another type, known as Dancing Snow or Wedding Gown hydrangea, blooms in pillowy white mounds, which can make its own mini bridal bouquet. Other widely used hydrangeas are lacecap, antique and mophead. The flowers bloom against dark green foliage adding to their allure.

The origin of the name hydrangea comes from the Greek word hydrus, meaning water vessel. In Victorian times, hydrangeas were said to imply vanity but today they often symbolize perseverance. There are countless ways to incorporate hydrangeas into all styles of floral design. Nothing is quite as classic and timeless a blend for bridal bouquets as hydrangea with peonies and garden roses.

Hydrangea can serve as a filler flower or stand out on its own in bouquets and centerpieces. Create different auras by your choice of color. Mix pale blue and tea rose pink or peach, ivory and green for a pastel palette. Select a mix of candy colored blooms to create variety in bridesmaids’ posies. Go monochrome with ivory spring peonies and hydrangea or green hued hydrangea alongside hypercium berries and ivory roses. Boutonnieres can be fashioned from a sprig of hydrangea with hypercium berries. Mix fresh and dried hydrangea in muted colors for a rustic look.

Small to medium sized round bouquets can be created perfectly by using globe shaped hydrangea but they also can accompany lush and cascading style bouquets equally well. Try a blend of dahlias and hydrangea among eucalyptus and wispy ivy for an overflowing bouquet or use that blend to create lush aisle arrangements and centerpieces in tall vases. A unique mix of purple hydrangea and purple clematis in contrasting colored vases makes a lovely display.

There are myriads of ways to use gorgeous hydrangeas in your own floral creations. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky Willow Grove resident to have hydrangeas blooming as ornamental decoration in your yard.

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