The “Alumni Flower” symbolizes remembrance, celebration, and growth, representing a connection to educational institutions. This plant serves as a living tribute, evoking nostalgia and pride for one’s alma mater, making it a meaningful gift or landscape addition.
Understanding the Alumni Flower
The “Alumni Flower” is a cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla, or bigleaf hydrangea. These popular shrubs are recognized for their large, showy blooms, appearing in various shades of pink, blue, purple, or crimson. ‘Alpenglow’ is a specific cultivar often given this informal designation, known for its reddish-pink to crimson flowers in neutral to alkaline soils, or purple to purple-blue in acidic soils.
Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars feature broadly ovate, toothed, dark green leaves and produce either globe-shaped “mophead” flowers or flattened “lacecap” clusters. Hydrangeas are informally named “alumni flowers” due to their vibrant colors matching university colors, their use in campus landscaping, or as commemorative gifts. Their ability to change bloom color based on soil pH further links them to institutional traditions.
Selecting the Right Spot for Your Alumni Flower
Choosing an optimal location is important for the health and abundant blooming of your Alumni Flower. These hydrangeas thrive in well-drained soil that retains consistent moisture. They prefer morning sun and dappled afternoon shade, or partial shade throughout the day. Too much intense afternoon sun can stress the plant, while excessive shade may reduce flower production.
When planting, prepare a hole two to three times wider than the root ball and of the same depth. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, improves drainage and provides nutrients. To influence bloom color, consider the existing soil pH; acidic soils (below pH 6.0) tend to produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils (above pH 7.0) result in pink blooms.
Ongoing Care for Your Alumni Flower
Hydrangea macrophylla requires consistent watering, preferring moist conditions with about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, especially during hot or dry periods. Drooping or wilting leaves indicate insufficient water. Overwatering can suffocate roots and lead to yellowing leaves.
Fertilization supports plant health and bloom production. A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or a formulation for flowering shrubs is recommended. Apply fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, with a second application in mid-summer for reblooming varieties. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before colder temperatures. Over-application of nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning bigleaf hydrangeas depends on whether they bloom on “old wood” (previous year’s growth) or “new wood” (current year’s growth). Many Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars, including ‘Alpenglow’, bloom on old wood, forming flower buds in late summer or early fall for the following year’s blooms. For these types, prune immediately after flowering, typically in late summer, to avoid removing next year’s buds. Remove dead, damaged, or weak stems, and thin older, unproductive branches to encourage new growth. Reblooming varieties, like ‘Endless Summer’ series, produce flowers on both old and new wood, allowing more pruning flexibility.
In colder climates, winter protection safeguards flower buds and stems from damage. Apply a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, around the plant’s base to insulate roots and maintain soil moisture. For added protection in harsh winters, consider covering the plant with burlap or creating a cage filled with leaves to shield stems.
Troubleshooting Common Alumni Flower Issues
Yellowing leaves indicate environmental stress, nutrient deficiencies, or improper watering. Overwatering or poorly drained soil can suffocate roots, leading to yellowing. Conversely, underwatering also causes leaves to yellow as the plant conserves moisture. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron or nitrogen, can result in yellowing, sometimes with green veins. Adjusting soil pH and providing appropriate fertilizers addresses these issues.
Lack of blooms can be attributed to several factors, including improper pruning, insufficient light, or winter damage to flower buds. Bigleaf hydrangeas that bloom on old wood can lose flower buds if pruned at the wrong time or exposed to extreme cold. Too much nitrogen fertilizer can also lead to lush foliage but few flowers.
Pests such as aphids, spider mites, scale, and Japanese beetles can infest hydrangeas. Aphids and scale feed on plant sap, while Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves. A strong spray of water can dislodge many pests; insecticidal soaps or neem oil can be used for persistent infestations.
Common diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and botrytis blight. Powdery mildew appears as a gray, powdery coating on foliage, while leaf spots are tan or brown with darker halos. Ensuring good air circulation and cleaning up fallen debris helps prevent fungal diseases.
The Deeper Meaning of Alumni Flowers
Beyond their horticultural appeal, Alumni Flowers carry symbolic significance in academic and commemorative contexts. They serve as commemorative gifts for graduates, embodying the growth, achievement, and lasting connections forged during their educational journey. Their vibrant blooms reflect the pride and joy associated with graduation and new endeavors.
The presence of these flowers in campus landscaping reinforces their role as symbols of institutional heritage and continuity. They evoke nostalgia for former students, reminding them of their alma mater. Hydrangeas, with their abundant and changing colors, symbolize the diverse experiences and knowledge gained through education, representing ongoing connection and support within the alumni community.