Hydrangeas on Cape Cod: A Florists Guide
Cape Cod is famous for its stunning coastal views, charming architecture, and, of course, its breathtaking hydrangeas. As one of the most beloved flowers on the Cape, hydrangeas thrive in the region's sandy, acidic soil and mild coastal climate. Whether you’re strolling down a seaside road or visiting a historic property, you’re bound to see these beautiful blooms spilling over fences and filling gardens with vibrant color.
And, as a florist, I am asked time and time again about incorporating hydrangeas into our coastal Cape weddings. However, all hydrangeas (from variety to color) have a blooming season on Cape Cod and aren’t always accessible for us as florists. They are a premium flower both in season and out of season. Thus, I wish to bring some insight here with this blog post to educate my clients on the types, the availability, and the reality of incorporating hydrangeas into your wedding flowers!
When Do Hydrangeas Bloom on Cape Cod?
Hydrangeas on Cape Cod typically bloom from late June through early September, with peak bloom usually occurring in mid-July. The timing can vary slightly depending on the weather and specific variety, but July is generally when the Cape is bursting with colorful, full hydrangea blossoms.
The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, held each July, celebrates this iconic flower with garden tours, workshops, and events. It’s the perfect time of year to see hydrangeas at their most magnificent.
Common Hydrangea Varieties on Cape Cod
Several varieties of hydrangeas are commonly found throughout Cape Cod, each offering its own unique beauty:
Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
The most popular variety on the Cape. Known for its large, round flower heads in shades of blue, pink, and purple.
Color depends on soil pH: Acidic soil (pH below 6.0) produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH above 6.0) produces pink flowers.
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
Recognizable for its cone-shaped flower clusters that turn from white to pink as the season progresses.
Blooms later in the season, from mid-July through early fall.
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Features large, rounded flower heads of creamy white blossoms.
Popular varieties include ‘Annabelle’ which produces massive blooms and thrives even in partial shade.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Known for its oak-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and orange in the fall.
Produces white, cone-shaped flowers that gradually fade to pink.
How Florists Source Hydrangeas for Cape Cod Weddings
As florists on Cape Cod, sourcing hydrangeas for weddings can be a challenge, particularly when clients have their hearts set on these iconic blooms and specific colors. During their natural bloom season from late June to early September, locally grown hydrangeas are more accessible and cost-effective. However, they are still considered a premium flower due to high demand.
In-Season Costs:
Locally sourced hydrangeas typically range from $4 to $8 per stem, depending on the variety and quality. Retailing for $18-$25 per stem, depending on the variety and quality.
Out-of-Season Costs:
From late fall through early spring, when hydrangeas are not blooming on the Cape, they must be imported from other regions or grown in greenhouses. This increases the price to around $10 to $15 per stem or higher. Retailing for $35-$50 per stem, depending on the variety and quality.
Availability Challenges:
Color requests can be tricky to fulfill. For example, blue hydrangeas often have variation to them - showing shades of purple and limelight hydrangeas that start ivory in the early season transition to a more mauve pink in the late fall.
Seasonal weddings in the fall or early spring often require sourcing from farms in warmer climates or specially curated greenhouse-grown flowers, which increases their cost and decreases their availability.
