Hydrangeas, with their lush blooms and vibrant colors, are some of the most popular flowering plants worldwide. These beautiful flowers thrive in temperate climates and are highly prized for their versatility in gardens, floral arrangements, and as ornamental plants. This florist guide highlights some of the most famous hydrangea-growing regions across the globe.
1. Japan – The Heart of Hydrangeas
Famous Regions: Tokyo, Kamakura, Nikko, and Kyoto
Best Time to Visit: June to July
Japan holds a special place in hydrangea cultivation, especially since the country is home to many native species, including the iconic Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea). In Japan, hydrangeas are deeply ingrained in culture and tradition. The rainy season, or tsuyu, is when these flowers are most prominent, and they are often associated with spiritual symbolism.
- Kamakura: Famous for its hydrangea season, Kamakura is often called “The City of Hydrangeas.” The paths leading to temples like Tsurugaoka Hachimangu are lined with thousands of vibrant blooms, drawing tourists from all over.
- Nikko: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko’s temples and shrines are beautifully surrounded by hydrangeas, making it a scenic location to admire the flowers.
- Kyoto: Known for its historic temples and traditional gardens, Kyoto offers a stunning view of hydrangeas against the backdrop of its ancient architecture and landscapes.
Why Japan?
The country’s humid summers and mild winters provide an ideal environment for hydrangeas. Additionally, the extensive variety of native species and the cultural significance of these flowers make Japan one of the most important regions for hydrangea cultivation.
2. South Korea – A Blooming Tradition
Famous Regions: Seoul, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island
Best Time to Visit: June to July
South Korea is another Asian country with a long history of hydrangea cultivation. The country’s mild climate and diverse ecosystems allow hydrangeas to grow prolifically, especially in the lush mountains and on the coastal islands.
- Jeju Island: Known for its volcanic soil and temperate climate, Jeju is famous for its hydrangea fields, which bloom profusely during the summer months. The island also celebrates the Hydrangea Festival, a major event that draws visitors to see the spectacular floral displays.
- Gyeongju: A city steeped in history, Gyeongju’s ancient temples and tombs are framed by beautiful hydrangea gardens, making it a picturesque location to witness these flowers in bloom.
Why South Korea?
South Korea’s varied landscape offers a perfect balance of cool winters and humid, rainy summers, creating an environment where hydrangeas can thrive. Jeju Island’s volcanic soil is particularly rich, helping to produce large, vibrant blooms.
3. United States – The Hydrangea Capital of the U.S.
Famous Regions: Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon)
Best Time to Visit: June to August
The United States is home to a wide range of hydrangea species, from the classic bigleaf hydrangeas to native varieties like Hydrangea arborescens. Certain regions have become renowned for their hydrangea displays, particularly in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
- Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard: These New England coastal areas have become famous for their hydrangea-filled gardens, where the plants thrive in the mild maritime climate. The picturesque villages are often adorned with hydrangeas in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white.
- Pacific Northwest (Washington and Oregon): The cool, rainy climate of the Pacific Northwest provides an ideal environment for hydrangeas. The region boasts large hydrangea nurseries and scenic gardens, particularly in cities like Seattle and Portland. The colorful blooms are a common sight in local parks and public gardens.
Why the United States?
Both the Northeast and the Pacific Northwest offer climates that hydrangeas love—cool, damp winters and moderate summers. These conditions, combined with the popularity of gardening and horticulture in these regions, make the U.S. a prime location for hydrangea cultivation.
4. France – Elegant Gardens of the Loire Valley
Famous Regions: Loire Valley, Normandy, Brittany
Best Time to Visit: June to September
France, known for its beautiful gardens and historic châteaux, is also home to some of the most stunning hydrangea displays in Europe. The Loire Valley, with its temperate climate, is particularly famous for hydrangea cultivation, and many grand estates feature spectacular hydrangea gardens.
- Loire Valley: Often referred to as the “Garden of France,” this region is home to several châteaux, where hydrangeas are carefully planted to complement the grandeur of the surrounding landscapes. The flowers thrive in the region’s mild weather, making it a must-visit for hydrangea enthusiasts.
- Brittany and Normandy: Coastal regions like Brittany and Normandy also boast impressive hydrangea blooms. Here, the flowers are often seen adorning seaside cottages and gardens, adding to the charm of the picturesque coastal landscape.
Why France?
The temperate climate and fertile soil of regions like the Loire Valley create an ideal environment for growing hydrangeas. Additionally, the French passion for gardening and landscaping has helped elevate hydrangeas as a key feature in ornamental horticulture.
5. United Kingdom – Classic Gardens and Countryside
Famous Regions: Cornwall, Hampshire, Kent, and the Isle of Wight
Best Time to Visit: June to August
The UK is home to some of the most beautiful hydrangea gardens in Europe, particularly along the southern and western coasts, where the temperate climate provides perfect growing conditions. Hydrangeas are popular in the UK not only for their beauty but also for their hardiness.
- Cornwall: Known for its mild climate and lush, subtropical gardens, Cornwall is a prime location for hydrangeas. The gardens of the Eden Project, in particular, showcase stunning hydrangea displays.
- Hampshire and Kent: These counties, located in southern England, are renowned for their stately homes and country gardens, where hydrangeas are a common feature. Public gardens like the Royal Horticultural Society’s Wisley Garden in Surrey also feature extensive collections of hydrangeas.
Why the UK?
The cool, maritime climate of the UK, particularly in the southern and southwestern regions, creates an ideal environment for hydrangeas. Additionally, the long history of gardening in the UK has led to a rich tradition of cultivating these beautiful flowers.
6. Australia – A Unique Southern Hemisphere Delight
Famous Regions: New South Wales, Tasmania, and the Dandenong Ranges
Best Time to Visit: December to February (Summer in the Southern Hemisphere)
Australia, although on the opposite side of the world from the Northern Hemisphere hydrangea hotspots, offers its own take on hydrangea cultivation. The southern states of Australia are particularly known for growing hydrangeas, where the climate is suitable for these moisture-loving plants.
- New South Wales (NSW): The cool climate of areas like the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley makes them ideal for growing hydrangeas. The region is also home to many private gardens and estates that boast stunning hydrangea displays.
- Tasmania: Known for its cool, temperate climate, Tasmania is home to some of the most beautiful hydrangea gardens in Australia, especially in the capital, Hobart.
- Dandenong Ranges (Victoria): Located near Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges feature numerous botanical gardens with extensive collections of hydrangeas, especially in the summer months.
Why Australia?
The temperate regions of Australia, particularly in the cooler areas, provide an excellent growing environment for hydrangeas, allowing for vibrant blooms even in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
HK Florist Tips
Hydrangeas are beloved around the world for their stunning beauty and wide range of colors. Whether in the lush landscapes of Japan, the temperate gardens of the United Kingdom, or the coastal beauty of the U.S. East Coast, hydrangeas thrive in regions with mild winters and humid, rainy summers. Each of these famous growing regions offers something unique, from cultural festivals to breathtaking landscapes, making them ideal destinations for hydrangea lovers.