As the warm summer sun graces our gardens, hydrangeas come into their full glory. These magnificent blooms are a delightful sight to behold but have earned a reputation of being fussy to care for as a cut flower. To ensure that you can cherish their beauty both indoors and out, we bring you some simple tips on how to cut hydrangeas to avoid having them wilt in the vase, plus expert advice on drying them for year-round enjoyment.
Cutting hydrangeas to preserve their freshness:
Hydrangeas have earned a reputation for their elegance and charm, but they can be a tad finicky when it comes to maintaining their vibrancy in a vase. The key is in quickly establishing and maintaining access to clean, abundant water — in fact, its love for water is in the name — HYDRAngea!
Here’s how to master the art of cutting and arranging these delightful blooms:
Choose the right time — Opt to cut hydrangeas early in the morning or late in the evening when the temperatures are cooler. This helps retain their moisture and reduces wilting.
Select mature blooms — Look for hydrangea blooms that are fully developed and have vibrant colors. Avoid picking flowers that are still opening, as they might not last as long in the vase.
Use sharp pruners — Always use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts. Dull blades can crush the stems, hindering water uptake.
Submerge the stems — After cutting each stem, immediately submerge it in a bucket of lukewarm water. Let the stems soak for about 30 minutes to ensure that they absorb as much water as possible.
Recut at an angle — Before arranging the hydrangeas in a vase, recut the stems at a 45-degree angle plus a 1-inch slit up the center of the stem. This creates a fresh surface for improved water absorption.
Water and placement — Fill a clean vase with fresh water and add a floral preservative, if available. Place the hydrangeas in the vase and keep them away from direct sunlight and drafts to extend their vase life.
Drying hydrangeas for lasting beauty:
As the vibrancy fades from your hydrangeas, prepare them for a second life in a dried bouquet or wreath. Drying these blooms allows you to enjoy their beauty long after the summer season ends.
Select the best candidates — Choose hydrangea blooms that are just beginning to show their mature color. Blooms that are too young or too old might not dry as well.
Remove leaves and excess foliage — Strip the leaves from the stem, leaving a small section near the bloom, as it can add a touch of authenticity to dried arrangements.
Bundle three to five hydrangea stems together with twine and hang them upside down in a warm, dry and dark location. Allow them to air dry for two to three weeks until they feel papery to the touch.
Seal with hairspray — Once the hydrangeas are dry, give them a light spray with hairspray to preserve their delicate petals and minimize shedding.
Plan to replace your dried flowers every year or so — just in time for the next fresh batch to be snipped from the branch.
Christie Holloway is the owner of Rooted Farmstead, a flower farm and agritourism destination in Bellefonte.
