The Jaw Dropping ‘Hydrangea Islands’ in the Azores

There is something to be said of these nine isolated islands located in the Mid-Atlantic ocean, an autonomous region that is part of Portugal known as the Azores. Here on these unspoiled islands in the Atlantic, which are all relatively small in size and with a population of just over 240,000 residents, are filled with charming waterfalls, enchanting beaches, eye-catching valleys, and of course, an abundance of hydrangeas that have become the national flower of these nine islands.
These beautiful flowers, which were introduced to the region centuries ago by Portuguese explorers and missionaries, once were so invasive on these islands and were growing so wild that it resulted in the devastation of a great deal of the endemic flora of the region.
The rich volcanic soil, steady rain, and unique weather pattern that influences the region all seemed to play well to propagate these beautiful flowers. The 20th century is the century of the hydrangea flower on the Azores islands, most notably Sao Miguel, Faial, Flores, and Graciosa. Here on these enchanting eco-friendly islands, the overwhelming amount of hydrangeas, which once was becoming a pest for the region, have become a symbol of pride and beauty with the memories of these hydrangea covered islands always keeping a special place in the hearts of all those who experience these islands. The variety of colors here is truly remarkable with blues, purples, reds, pinks, and white hydrangeas dotting the island’s landscape with flowers some the size of basketballs.
The countrysides and roads are the places you want to explore if hydrangeas are something you are interested in experiencing. The hydrangeas here in the Azores are known worldwide for their incredible abundance, size, and natural beauty that they bring to the island landscape. These beautiful flowers begin to bloom in late April and go until early September, with May and June being the beginning months of this beautiful season here on the Azores.
Faial, a yachtsman paradise due to its location and as a central stopover point in the Atlantic, is probably the most famous island in the Azores to see the extraordinary amount of hydrangeas, mostly blue and purple, here during the summer months. The seeds of the hydrangea flower do not dictate the color of the plant; it’s the soil and acidity level present in the soil that alters the colors of these beautiful flowers.
That is why in some areas, you will have rows of blue hydrangeas, and across the street, it may be a dark purple or a light red since the soil is the primary factor in controlling the plant’s color. The mineral-rich, volcanic soil on these islands has proven to provide a constant acidity level to the soil, which results in the majority of the hydrangeas on these islands to be various shades of beautiful blue. The colors of these hydrangeas change slightly with the changing of the season and light blue hydrangeas in the spring will towards the hotter summer months tend to become deep purple before slowly wilting away until next year. If you are going to the Azores islands, when driving through the various countryside towns and villages, you will see green pastures filled with cows grazing on the green grass while the fences that divide the plots of land are made out of hydrangeas; some 3-6 feet tall. Unquestionably, a gorgeous sight to see. This symbolizes the tradition and culture of these beautiful islands. Instead of using concrete or wires, they utilize their beautiful island’s natural elements, such as hydrangea lined fences. This offers the same amount of protection for the grazing cattle and is sustainable and eco-friendly. Of course, this as well provides life to the bees and hummingbirds that adore these radiant flowers.
If a tour through some of the most enchanting hydrangea-covered locales is something you have on your bucket list then let us show you the beauty of the island’s unique landscapes while you take in the magic of these magical islands.

Azores Hydrangea Seeds

There is nothing more beautiful then seeing colorful blue and purple hydrangeas in your garden; something we have an abundance of here in the Azores islands. Now available in limited quantity are 100% Azores Hydrangea seeds from the green island of Sao Miguel. - 25 Stratified Hydrangea Seeds from the Azores - Beautiful Strong Healthy Plants - Lovely Fragrance - Great for Gardens, Borders or Potted Enjoy the magic of the Azores in your garden today!

€9.00