Create Your Garden

How to Dry and Preserve Hydrangea Flowers

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.

Hydrangea Bouquet, Hydrangea Flowers, Hydrangea, Drying Hydrangeas

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.

When to Harvest Hydrangea Flowers

Ideal Timing

To achieve the best results, the timing of your harvest is crucial. Here are the key points to consider:

  • Bloom Stage: The ideal time to harvest hydrangeas for drying is when the flowers are fully bloomed but not yet wilting. Look for blooms that are vibrant and firm.
  • Time of Day: Harvest flowers in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes too hot. This timing helps to preserve the flowers’ moisture content.

Selecting Flowers

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, White Hydrangea, Hydrangea arborescens, Smooth HydrangeaAnnabelle Hydrangea – Hydrangea arborescens or Smooth Hydrangea

Methods for Drying Hydrangea Flowers

There are several effective methods for drying hydrangeas, each with its advantages. Below are some popular techniques:

Air Drying

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.

  • Harvest the Flowers: Cut the hydrangea blooms in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes too hot. Choose fully opened flowers for the best results.
  • Prepare the Stems: Trim the stems to your desired length, typically between 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm). Remove any excess leaves, as they can cause rot during the drying process.
  • Bundle the Flowers: Gather a small number of stems (about 5-10) and tie them together using string or rubber bands. Make sure the bundles are not too thick to allow for proper airflow.
  • Hang the Bundles: Hang the bundles upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Wait: Allow the flowers to dry for 2-3 weeks. Check periodically to ensure they are drying evenly and adjust their position if necessary.

Tips

  • Make sure to hang the flowers in a cool, dry space to prevent mold growth.
  • Ensure that the blooms are not touching each other, which could lead to uneven drying.

Drying with Water

Drying hydrangeas in water may seem counterintuitive, but this method helps preserve the flowers’ color and shape while preventing shriveling.

  • Cut the Flowers: Trim the hydrangea blooms at an angle, leaving stems between 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) long.
  • Remove Leaves: Remove all leaves from the stems to prevent rot.
  • Place in a Vase: Fill a vase halfway with water and place the cut flowers inside. Ensure they are not overcrowded for proper airflow.
  • Allow Water to Evaporate: Place the vase in a cool area, away from direct sunlight. Allow the water to evaporate completely over the next 2-3 weeks.

Tips

  • This method helps maintain the size and shape of the blooms while keeping their colors vibrant.
  • Once the water has evaporated, the flowers will be fully dried and ready for use.

Using Silica Gel

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.

  • Prepare a Container: Choose an airtight container that can accommodate the hydrangea flowers without overcrowding.
  • Layer Silica Gel: Pour a layer of silica gel into the bottom of the container, ensuring it is even.
  • Position the Flowers: Place the hydrangea blooms upright in the silica gel, ensuring they do not touch each other. If using large blooms, consider cutting them down to size.
  • Cover with Silica Gel: Gently pour more silica gel over the flowers until they are completely covered. Be careful not to crush the petals.
  • Seal and Wait: Seal the container and leave it undisturbed for 3-7 days. Once dry, carefully remove the flowers and brush off any excess gel.

Tips

  • Use a soft brush to gently remove silica gel from the flowers after drying.
  • This method is excellent for creating vibrant arrangements since silica gel helps retain the natural color of the blooms.

Pressing Hydrangea Flowers

Pressing is a technique that flattens flowers, preserving their color and delicate details, making them ideal for crafts, artwork, or decorations.

  • Prepare the Flowers: Select small to medium-sized hydrangea blooms. Trim the stems and remove excess leaves.
  • Place in a Book: Lay the flowers flat between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press.
  • Apply Weight: Close the book and place additional weight on top to help flatten the flowers evenly.
  • Wait: Leave the flowers to press for 2-4 weeks, checking periodically to see if they are dry.

Tips

  • Ensure that the flowers are not overlapping to prevent any distortion during pressing.
  • The pressed flowers can be used in scrapbooks, greeting cards, or framed art.

Microwave Drying

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.

  • Prepare the Flowers: Trim the hydrangea blooms and remove excess leaves.
  • Use a Microwave-Safe Container: Place the flowers upright in a microwave-safe container filled with silica gel.
  • Microwave: Heat in the microwave for 1-3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overheating. The silica gel will absorb moisture quickly.
  • Let Cool: Allow the flowers to cool in the silica gel before removing them.

Tips

  • Always monitor the flowers closely while microwaving to prevent burning.
  • This method is great for creating arrangements on short notice.

Hydrangea macrophylla, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Blue HydrangeaAll Summer Beauty – Hydrangea macrophylla or Bigleaf Hydrangea

Preserving Color and Freshness

To ensure your dried hydrangeas maintain their vibrant colors, consider these tips:

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Always dry and store hydrangeas away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
  • Use Hairspray: Lightly spray dried flowers with hairspray to help preserve their shape and color. Hold the spray at a distance to avoid soaking the flowers.
  • Store Properly: Keep dried hydrangeas in a cool, dry place, away from humidity, to prevent mold and deterioration.

Displaying Dried Hydrangeas

Once your hydrangeas are dried and preserved, there are various ways to display them:

  • In Arrangements: Create beautiful floral arrangements by combining dried hydrangeas with other dried flowers, grasses, or seasonal foliage.
  • Wreaths: Use dried hydrangeas to make stunning wreaths that can be hung indoors or outdoors.
  • Home Décor: Place dried hydrangeas in decorative vases, jars, or bottles as a timeless home accent.

Limelight Hydrangea, Panicle Hydrangea, Hydrangra Paniculata, Hydrangea, Hydrangea flowers, White HydrangeaLimelight Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea

Troubleshooting Common Issues

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 Pinky Winky, Hydrangea Pinky Winky, Panicle Hydrangea Pinky Winky, Paniculate Hydrangea Pinky Winky, Pink Flowers, Pinky Winky Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you dry hydrangeas to keep their color?

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.

When to cut hydrangeas to dry them?

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.

Should I hang hydrangeas upside down to dry?

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.

Should I spray dried hydrangeas with hairspray?

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.

How do you keep dried hydrangeas from falling apart after?

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.

How do you dry hydrangeas without shriveling?

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, Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea, Vanille Fraise Hydrangea, Renhy HydrangeaStrawberry Vanilla Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea

Guide Information

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

Garden Examples

A Lovely Contemporary Garden Idea
A Majestic Walkway
An Elegant Shady Corner
Compare All Hydrangea
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Hydrangea
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

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
Compare All Hydrangea
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea

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