Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla Blackberry Pie = 'Makz' (Flair & Flavours Series) (L)

Names

• Synonyms

  Blackberry Pie Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea Blackberry Pie, Hortensia Blackberry Pie.

• Common names

  Hydrangea macrophylla 'Makz'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Hydrangea, including the 'Blackberry Pie' variety, contains compounds known as cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Poisoning from hydrangeas is rare, but if parts of the plant are ingested in large enough quantities, symptoms could include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, more severe symptoms might present, such as dizziness, difficulty breathing, or convulsions, but such extreme reactions are uncommon. If suspected poisoning occurs, medical attention should be sought promptly.

• To pets

  Hydrangea is toxic to pets due to the same cyanogenic glycosides found in the plant. When ingested by pets, such as dogs or cats, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Depending on the amount ingested, it could also potentially result in more serious signs like depression or confusion. If you suspect your pet has ingested hydrangea, you should contact a veterinarian immediately to receive appropriate care and guidance.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)

• Spread

  4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5-9

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Hydrangeas are popular for their large, colorful blooms which make them a focal point in any garden.
• Seasonal Interest: They bloom from early summer to fall, providing long-lasting color and interest.
• Landscape Versatility: They can be planted in the ground or containers, and are suitable for a variety of garden styles, from informal cottage gardens to formal arrangements.
• Shade Tolerance: Hydrangeas can thrive in partial shade, offering a flowering option for less sunny spots.
• Suitable for Cutting: The flowers are excellent for cutting and using in fresh floral arrangements.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of other plants in the garden.
• Ease of Care: Hydrangeas are generally easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional pruning.
• Variety of Colors: The 'Blackberry Pie' variety offers unique bloom colors that can shift from blue to pink to purple depending on soil pH.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

1. Photography Prop: The striking blooms of the Hydrangea can be used to add a touch of elegance and rich color to still-life photography or as a backdrop for portrait sessions.
2. Art Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the intricate shapes and vibrant colors of Hydrangea flowers for their paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
3. Culinary Garnish: While not a common practice, the petals of Hydrangeas—though slightly bitter—can sometimes be used as a unique and decorative garnish on certain desserts or dishes.
4. Dried Flower Arrangements: Hydrangea flowers can be dried and used in long-lasting floral arrangements, providing a rustic and vintage look to interior decorations.
5. Color Indicator: The flower’s color can change based on the soil pH, which can be an interesting way to experiment with natural pH indicators in educational contexts.
6. Handicrafts Material: The wood of the Hydrangea plant can be used in crafting small items such as picture frames or jewelry, showcasing its natural beauty in a different form.
7. Fabric Dyeing: The petals of the Hydrangea can be used in the process of fabric dyeing to produce subtle color variations, useful in creating unique textile art.
8. Wedding Decor: Hydrangea flowers are often used in wedding bouquets and venue decorations, providing lush, voluminous arrangements that enhance the romantic setting.
9. Nature Crafts: The blooms and leaves of the Hydrangea can be used in nature crafts, such as pressed flower projects, to create bookmarks, cards, or decorative pieces.
10. Education: The plant can be used as a tool in schools or educational programs to teach students about botany, especially the principles of flowering and growth in angiosperms.

Feng Shui

The hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Heartfelt Emotions: Hydrangeas often symbolize heartfelt and genuine emotions. The richness of the 'Blackberry Pie' variety's hue can represent the depth and intensity of these feelings.
• Gratitude: The giving of hydrangeas, including the 'Blackberry Pie' variety, is a way of saying thank you for being understood, often associated with their abundant star-shaped flowers that form the large head of the plant.
• Apothecary's Sign: Historically, hydrangeas were a symbol of an apothecary, due to their extensive use in folk medicine, which carries over to modern varieties such as 'Blackberry Pie'.
• Vanity: In certain cultures, hydrangeas also carry a negative connotation of vanity or boastfulness, potentially owing to their showy and large blooms, including those of the 'Blackberry Pie'.
• Perseverance: These plants can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, which can symbolize endurance and the ability to overcome adversity, a trait shared by the resilient 'Blackberry Pie' hydrangea.