Hydrangea, hydrangea or, even with a hint of an accent, “novelam” are the various names for this species that brings colour to the Azores Islands.
The famous shrub originates from Japan and is present on all nine islands of the island group. It was probably introduced to the region in the mid-19th century. It is so abundant in the archipelago that tourists think it is a native plant of the region (some residents also).
These authentic balls of petals, usually blue and white, form the basic concept of an Azorean landscape. It is one of the best-known tourist elements, one of the most used even to promote the nature of the region.
Its most usual colour, as already mentioned, is blue and white. However, there are hydrangeas that present other colours, such as pink, white and even purple. This fact depends on the acid level of the soil, that is, the more acid it is blue and the more alkaline it is pink.
These plants are used as living hedges, naturally dividing agricultural land or even delimiting roadsides.
An icon of the Azorean flora, this species is classified as an infesting plant and its reproduction is made by seed and vegetatively. They are often found, and reproduce easily, in pastures, craters and ravines.
