Hortensia and hydrangea: What's the difference?
Between“hortensia” and “hydrangea,” do you have to pick a side? Not really. These two terms actually refer to the same plant—beautiful and bountiful—but under different names. So why the duality? Is it simply a matter of language, or does it hide botanical nuances? The editorial team at Sessile.fr sheds some light on the matter…
Two Names for One Plant
If you’ve ever fallen in love with a hydrangea bed or come across the word “hydrangea” on a garden center label, you may have wondered if they’re referring to the same plant. The answer is yes… but not quite. These two names have coexisted for centuries, straddling the line between botanical precision and common usage. Let’s dive into the nuances that distinguish—or connect—these two names.
Hydrangea: the scientific name
The term “hydrangea” comes directly from botanical terminology. It is the scientific name used worldwide to refer to the genus of plants to which hydrangeas belong. Of Greek origin, “hydrangea” literally means “water vase,” a reference to the shape of the seed capsule, but also to this plant’s high water requirements.
In the terminology used by botanists and professional gardeners, “hydrangea” is therefore the official term. It encompasses several species, such as Hydrangea macrophylla (the best known), Hydrangea paniculata, and Hydrangea arborescens.
I find my bouquet of flowers
Hydrangea: the common name
“Hortensia,” on the other hand, is the common name used in French in everyday speech. It’s the name you hear at flower shops, in gardens, or even in childhood memories. The hydrangea often brings to mind large, flowery pompons in shades of blue, pink, or white that adorn the flower beds of Breton gardens.
So we’re talking about hydrangeas in a more poetic—and also more colloquial—context. And while the term may not be strictly accurate, it remains deeply rooted in the collective imagination.
Where does this dual name come from?
Why does a single plant end up with two different names? One is formal, the other colloquial. One is Latin, the other French. Behind this coexistence lies a story of words, botany, and cultural usage. To understand this dual naming, we must go back to the plant’s origins… and to those of the language.
A Question of Etymology
The coexistence of the two names can be explained primarily by historical and linguistic reasons. The word “hortensia” appeared in France in the late 18th century, thanks to the botanist Philibert Commerson, who is said to have named the plant in honor of a woman named Hortense (according to some accounts, she was either his partner or a female scientist whom he admired).
But later, the scientific community chose to adopt the Latin name “hydrangea,” which is more universal and conforms to Linnaeus’s binomial nomenclature. Since then, the two names have coexisted, each in its own context.
Usage that varies depending on the context
Today, it all depends on the context in which the plant is discussed. In a botanical entry, a gardening guide, or a floral encyclopedia, “hydrangea” is the preferred term. However, among florists, horticulturists, or in a more general public context, “hortensia” is the dominant term.
It is also worth noting a slight difference in usage across certain cultures. In the English-speaking world, for example, “hydrangea” is the most commonly used term, even in everyday speech. In France, the opposite is true.
Sessile.fr's take on the differences between "hortensia" and "hydrangea"
At Sessile.fr, we believe that the richness of language reflects the richness of nature. Whether you call it a hydrangea or a hortensia, this flower remains one of the symbols of nature’s generosity. It evokes abundance, elegance, and sometimes even a touch of nostalgia.
We particularly love hydrangeas for their longevity in a vase, their full blooms, and their colors, which vary depending on the soil’s pH—a fascinating phenomenon that transforms the garden into a veritable living laboratory.
As part of a conscious and responsible approach, the florists in the Sessile network select hydrangeas sourced through short supply chains and grown using sustainable farming practices, out of respect for both the plant and those who cultivate it. To create a unique, locally sourced bouquet that reflects the seasons, our artisan florists know how to bring out the best in this truly captivating flower.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
