The Enchanting Palette of Antique Hydrangeas

The beginning of summer brought us hydrangea season, mid-summer brought us our new everlasting varieties of hydrangea, and now, as summertime slowly ebbs into fall and the weather cools down, get ready for Antique Hydrangeas!

Antique Hydrangeas in one of our hoop houses

 What are Antique Hydrangeas anyways?   And how do they attain their kaleidoscopic appearance? After all, antique hydrangeas are not a separate species from our fresh Hydrangea macrophylla; they are the same shrubs we had earlier in the season.  The simple fact is that the majority of hydrangea blooms will naturally reach this unique, antiqued look given enough time and, of course, proper care and atmospheric conditions.  Antique hydrangeas are a season marker, and the change in weather helps make them what they are, which is why we have such success with them here in Northern Coastal California.  After years of cultivation, we have found that the best antiquing varieties are Hamburg, Emerald, Opal, Diamond, and Revolution.

An iridescent antique hydrangea

Towards the end of summer, as the nights get cooler, the air becomes drier, and the days get shorter, hydrangea blooms start their metamorphic journey to become antique hydrangeas.  The blossoms transition from their bright summer colors into mingled layers of mellow greens, smoky burgundies, shimmering blues, amethyst, hazel, and others.  No two antiques are the same, each change and morph in their own unique way.  

Note the variety of hues on one hydrangea plant!

As we witness the blooms begin to evolve, we continuing watering and feeding them until it's time to pick.  The plant is still giving nutrients to the blossoms; the colors are simply maturing and marbling due to time and cooler weather.

While the changing coloration gives us some indication of when to pick, we really know they're ready when the blooms are firm--the hydrangea feels slightly rigid and resists a little when touched.  This firmly-set hydrangea head screams, "Pick me! Pick me!"  At this point they are practically bulletproof-- the petals will never wilt or die, and they will be beautiful for months to come.
 

Hydrangea Dave showing off some antique Hamburg blooms

The colors and ambiance of antique hydrangeas are like a fairy tale--all at once they are bewitching, elegant, and provincial.  Why don't you treat yourself to something magical; enter the Season of Enchantment with our Antique Hydrangeas!

Look forward to darker-hued antique hydrangeas later on in the season!