Hydrangeas are flowers that have become a symbol of the Azores.

When we think about the Azores, we see the ocean, that’s for sure. And lots of greenery. But we also see vast fields separated by volcanic walls and hydrangea fences. We see long, narrow roads surrounded by a row of huge hydrangeas. We see hydrangeas in the garden and in the middle of the field. White, blue, purple, pink, red. Hydrangeas have become a symbol of the Azores.

They have come to the Azores from Japan

Local biologists are not happy with the fact that hydrangeas have become a symbol of the Azores. Hydrangeas are an invasive species that displace local flora. It is believed that they came to the Azores from Japan in the 19th century as an ornamental plant. Hydrangea macrophylla, because this is the species name of hydrangea, likes moderate climate and moist soil, so in the Azores it feels like paradise. And the truth is they did blend in perfectly with the landscape.

Azorean hydrangeas for export

In Faial, even a hydrangea business was created. Hydrangeas are harvested and dried for export there. Of course, the most beautiful, with the best shape. They have been sold to Germany, Spain and Italy for almost 30 years. There they are used as individual decorative flowers or as fragments of larger compositions.

When can you see hydrangeas?

I’ve been living in Terceira since 2017 and I can tell you that I have an impression that hydrangeas bloom almost constantly. I saw them in April and I saw them in October. The best time to see them is though from June to August. If you want to admire them live, come to the Azores during the summer holidays. And be sure to get ready for a photo session – you will have a souvenir for life!

(If you need a contact for a good local photographer, please let me know!)

Feel welcome to the gallery of Azorean hydrangeas!