Hydrangeas; a floral firework display – these glamorous bursts of blooms are a staple in most florist shops throughout Summer and Autumn. They can be found in varying shades of pink, blue, purple, white and green, though once dried and over time tend to take on more muted, dusky hues. If you are lucky enough to have been given a bouquet with hydrangeas in or have some growing in your garden, why not make the most of them by drying them to display.
From Your Garden
1. If you are drying Hydrangeas from your garden, it is best to wait until the end of their season when the flowers are already beginning to fade. This is usually around September/October time. The petals should already begin to feel slightly papery before you take your scissors to them. Make sure to cut them on a nice day to ensure the petals are as dry as possible.
2. Using a sharp pair of floral scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem about 30cm from the base of the bloom. It is best not to cut the stem much longer than this or you may hinder next year’s growth.
3. Place in a clean vase with some water and wait for a couple of weeks whilst they continue to dry. If the water evaporates before the bloom has dried out completely, you can add some more to help them retain more of their colour.
From A Bouquet
1. If you have been gifted or bought some pre-cut stems in a bouquet, follow the original care guidelines given to you by your florist to enjoy fresh.
2. Once the bouquet is coming to the end of its fresh life and beginning to fade, remove any other flower stems from the vase, replace the water and leave them untouched until the water has evaporated.
Be sure not to overcrowd your hydrangeas to allow the blooms airflow, giving them the best chance of drying. If you have a lot of hydrangeas you want to dry, consider placing them at staggered lengths or in multiple vessels.
3. During the drying process, it is best to keep the flowers out of direct sunlight, away from strong heat sources and damp or draughty areas to give them the best chance of drying out fully with no rot and retaining more of their colour.
Once your hydrangeas have dried completely, they will be light to hold, and the petals will be crisp and papery to the touch. Perfect for adding texture and style to any space, wreath or arrangement.
