Hydrangeas in the Azores

Hydrangeas are ornamental plants cultivated in various regions of the world and considered special to the Portuguese, being easily found in many gardens. In the Azores archipelago, it’s no different, making them a unique and incredible attraction, spread across various points on all the islands.

See the photo gallery below or click here to view the photos.

Hydrangeas originate from Asia and began to conquer the rest of the world in the 19th century. There are hundreds of different varieties of the plant, with the scientific name hydrangea macrophylla, also called “novelões,” and they can grow up to two meters in height. The most curious aspect of hydrangeas is their color, which is determined by the use of fertilizers or organic matter that can modify the soil’s acidity.

The most common colors of hydrangeas are blue, pink, lilac, red, and white. It’s extremely important to choose the best place for planting to ensure they grow strong and beautiful. Locations that receive morning sunlight and are shaded in the afternoon are ideal. It’s quite common for the leaves to fall in autumn.

In addition to sunlight being essential for the growth and development of the plant, hydrangeas should be cultivated in rich soils, containing organic matter or fertilized with specific fertilizers. Another crucial point is that this plant needs to be watered frequently, especially in drier climates, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Lastly, to enhance the appearance of hydrangeas, prune the plant every year, removing old wood in the fall. During the summer, remove the dried flowers. All care is necessary to keep hydrangeas beautiful and attractive.

Hydrangeas in the Azores

Hydrangeas are present on all the islands of the Azores, particularly in blue and white, which positively impact the region’s tourism image. Hydrangeas also serve as living hedges, separating fields and pastures for the Azorean population, and they line the charming roads of the archipelago.

On São Miguel Island, it’s common for locals to refer to hydrangeas as “novelões,” and they are traditionally used to decorate the carpets of processions. São Miguel is one of the islands where tourists admire hydrangeas the most.

When May arrives, this wonderful plant starts blooming amidst the green bushes along the roads, making car journeys fantastically scenic. It’s worth taking many photos of this spectacular display of nature.

The success of hydrangeas in the Azores is so great that, on Faial Island, businessman Ângelo Duarte has been exporting dried hydrangeas to countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy for over 30 years. The plant undergoes a painting process to be used in arrangements and decorations. It’s worth noting that Faial is also known as the “Blue Island” precisely because of the abundance of blue hydrangeas that enchant all visitors.

Best Time to See Hydrangeas

In spring and summer, hydrangeas can be seen at their peak beauty, especially in August, when they explode into a variety of colors such as blue, white, red, pink, purple, etc.

They begin to bloom from the start of June.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the Azores during this time of year, you’ll surely be amazed by the beauty of the hydrangeas in a sensational landscape!

Gallery of the Magnificent Hydrangeas of the Azores in Various Landscapes

Photos sent by members of the Facebook group Amantes dos Açores (click here to join) that deserve to be shared worldwide. Photos from 2018 and 2019.