Drying and preserving hydrangea flowers allows you to enjoy their beauty in crafts, artwork, wreaths, floral arrangements, and bouquets long after the blooming season has ended.
Hydrangeas are cherished for their large, striking flowers in a variety of colors, including blue, red, purple, white, and light green. They are a favorite choice for gardens and floral arrangements. If you grow hydrangeas and wish to preserve their beauty long after they have bloomed, drying the flowers is an easy and effective method.
To achieve the best results, the timing of your harvest is crucial. Here are the key points to consider:
Choose healthy, mature blooms that are free from pests and diseases. Avoid flowers with brown spots or wilting petals, as these may not dry well.
Annabelle Hydrangea – Hydrangea arborescens or Smooth Hydrangea
There are several effective methods for drying hydrangeas, each with its advantages. Below are some popular techniques:
Air drying is one of the most straightforward and traditional methods for preserving hydrangea flowers. This technique allows the flowers to dry naturally in a controlled environment, helping them retain their shape and color.
Drying hydrangeas in water may seem counterintuitive, but this method helps preserve the flowers’ color and shape while preventing shriveling.
Silica gel is a drying agent that effectively absorbs moisture from flowers while preserving their color and shape. This method is particularly beneficial for retaining the blooms’ natural appearance.
Pressing is a technique that flattens flowers, preserving their color and delicate details, making them ideal for crafts, artwork, or decorations.
Microwave drying is a quick method for preserving hydrangea flowers while maintaining their color and shape. This technique is useful when you want immediate results.
All Summer Beauty – Hydrangea macrophylla or Bigleaf Hydrangea
To ensure your dried hydrangeas maintain their vibrant colors, consider these tips:
Once your hydrangeas are dried and preserved, there are various ways to display them:
Limelight Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea
While drying hydrangeas is relatively straightforward, you may encounter a few issues:
Fading Colors: If colors fade during the drying process, consider drying in a cooler, darker location or using silica gel for better results.
Wilting Blooms: If blooms wilt instead of drying properly, ensure they are harvested at the right time and conditions.
Mold Growth: Always dry hydrangeas in well-ventilated areas and keep them away from moisture to prevent mold.
Pinky Winky Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea
To dry hydrangeas while preserving their color, use the air-drying method or silica gel. For air drying, cut the blooms when they are fully open but not wilting, then hang them upside down in a dark, dry place to prevent color fading from sunlight. If using silica gel, bury the flowers in the gel, which helps absorb moisture while preserving color.
The best time to cut hydrangeas for drying is when the flowers are fully mature and vibrant but before they start to wilt. This is typically in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety and local climate. For Hydrangea macrophylla, aim to cut the flowers just after they reach their full color.
Yes, hanging hydrangeas upside down is an effective method for drying them. This technique helps retain the flower’s shape and prevents the blooms from drooping. Make sure to tie the stems in small bunches to allow for proper airflow around the flowers.
Spraying dried hydrangeas with hairspray can help protect the blooms and maintain their shape, as it adds a light coating that reduces brittleness. Use a clear, non-aerosol hairspray and hold it at a distance to avoid soaking the flowers. This step is optional but can enhance longevity.
To prevent dried hydrangeas from falling apart, handle them gently and avoid excessive movement. When displaying them, use a sturdy vase or container to support the stems and blooms. If needed, you can also reinforce the stems with floral wire or tape for added stability.
To dry hydrangeas without shriveling, you can use the water-drying method. Cut the flowers and place them in a vase with about an inch of water. Allow the water to evaporate naturally while the flowers dry. This method helps the blooms maintain their size and reduces the likelihood of shriveling.
Strawberry Vanilla Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Hydrangeaceae |
Genus | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens |
Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Hydrangeaceae |
Genus | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!