One of the questions that I get asked all the time is how to dry hydrangeas. I love them, and over the years, I’ve dried quite a few to use in my home decorating. It seems that every time they show up in a picture, someone asks me how to dry them, so today, I thought I would share with you how I dry hydrangeas!
It’s very easy to dry and preserve hydrangeas, and in a way, they almost dry themselves. Once dry, they can last and look beautiful for years.
You can dry hydrangeas in several different ways, and I’m going to show you two methods that I’ve used with success.
The biggest challenge when drying hydrangeas is cutting the blooms at the right time. If you cut them at their peak, they will have too much moisture and they won’t dry quickly enough to maintain their color and beauty. If you cut them too late, then they will just turn brown.
To be honest, there have been some years that I have failed at getting any of them to dry correctly.
This summer, my hydrangea bushes didn’t produce very many flowers at all, so I’ve not been able to dry any. However, last year, I dried more than I ever have, and they turned out beautifully.
I’m still decorating with them this year.
The best time to cut your hydrangeas for drying is toward the end of the season, which is usually August through October. This is the time of the year when the petals start to fade and change color.
One of the methods that I’ve used in drying hydrangeas is the water drying method.
Water drying helps the flowers to retain their color while they are drying. Allowing the flowers to slowly dehydrate helps them to maintain their color and their shape.
via giftflowers
Water Drying Method
- Cut each flower with a 12-18″ stem attached, then remove all of the leaves from the stems.
- Place the cut flowers in a vase with fresh water, making sure that the stems are at least half covered with water.
- Place the vase in a cool spot, out of direct sunlight.
- As the water evaporates, DON’T add more water. The water allows your hydrangeas to dry slowly and naturally. Once the water has totally evaporated, your hydrangeas should feel dry to the touch and be ready for display.
There’s another method for drying hydrangeas that I’ve used many times as well, which is the air dry method. Air dried hydrangeas tend to be a bit more brittle than water dried blossoms, but can still be beautiful.
via charlieandjo.com
Air Dry Method
- Cut each flower with a 12-18″ stem attached, then remove all of the leaves from stems.
- Tie two to three blooms together with string.
- Hang upside down in a cool dry place for several weeks until dry.
I love decorating with dried hydrangeas, especially in the Fall, but I’ve also used them year round.
I’ve even used them to decorate a Christmas tree!
The dried hydrangeas will usually last a few years before you will need to throw them out, especially if you store them in a large bin when not using.
I hope this has answered some of your questions about how to dry hydrangeas! Let me know if you plan on trying either of these methods!
Cheers, Cindy
This is the first time I have had hydrangeas. I ended up using the water drying method without even realizing it. The first time I made an arrangement I forgot to give them more water and they dried. Bonus! I missed the boat on my blue ones though. I have cream and green this year.
They last for a few years, and I love decorating with them all year long. Thanks for commenting, Nancy!
I am new at this so I started to cut the stem above the last blossom put the in threes per bucket with some sand and lightly water before storing in a greenhouse for the winter.In the spring put them outside and started growing hydrangeas in to tree’s . great sucess but running out of space and plan to sell online with a friend .
Great blog on drying hydrangas. Love your decorating skills and blog always.
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Cindy
I have always used the water drying method. I learned it years ago from a master gardener. I think it is the best method.
That’s my favorite as well, Diane! Thank you for commenting!