The good news is that learning how to dry hydrangeas won’t take long. Maintaining these large, bulbous flowers does not require much effort; Do it right and you’ll have great-looking dried flowers to enjoy for years to come.
There are several different ways to dry hydrangeas, and you can make use of the beautiful still blooms in a variety of display ideas, from hydrangea wreaths and pom-poms to bouquets hung upside down. They are a stunning floral addition to weddings and table centerpieces, and can add a beautiful autumnal feel to your outdoor decor as well.
In addition, if you have already spent time learning how to grow hydrangeas, it is worth it to get as much pleasure as possible from these beautiful flowers.
(Image credit: Getty Images/Andrey Znamenskyi)
Learn how to dry hydrangea in water
If you already know when to plant hydrangeas, you’ve probably watched them grow in your garden and longingly watched the bright-petaled flowers fade, wishing you could somehow preserve them.
The good news is that although the color of the hydrangea changes to a more muted shade once dried, you will still have a beautiful full flower remaining.
The most common way to dry hydrangeas is with water—although that may seem a bit counterintuitive. Joe Lamble, founder of Beards and Daisies, explains the process:
- Whether you are growing hydrangeas in pots or in the ground, cut the hydrangea at an angle so that there is at least 12 inches (30 cm) or so of stem.
- Remove the leaves from the stems and place them in a pot of water so that it covers about half of the stems. Although it may seem counterproductive, using water actually helps slow the drying process, otherwise the flowers may turn brown.
- Keep your vase in a cool place and out of direct sunlight as this can damage the petals.
- As the water evaporates, the flowers will begin to dry. By the time all the water is gone (usually within a week or two), your hydrangea will be completely dry and ready to use for whatever purpose you want.
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Westend61)
How to air dry hydrangea
If you don’t like the water-dried method detailed above, it’s certainly possible to learn how to dry flowers like hydrangeas using only air – but they may become a little more fragile than their water-dried counterparts.
In this method, hang each leg upside down and secure it on a rope using a clothes peg or some string. Choose a cool place without direct sunlight, then wait a few weeks.
Keep in mind that it is not necessary to hang them upside down – only if you think the stems are thin enough that they may break under the weight of the flower during the drying process.
The most important tip for testing readiness is to try cutting the dried stem. If they are easy to cut off, your hydrangeas are completely dried out.
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Ana Lopez Fernandez)
Joe Lampel is the founder of online vegan retailer Bears and Daisies. She’s a plant fanatic, and collects a carefully curated selection of indoor houseplants, which includes some lesser-seen varieties that you might not find at your local garden center.
When to pick hydrangeas for drying?
If you plan to dry your favorite hydrangea varieties, it is best to leave the flowers on the plant until they are a little past their prime. This way, their natural tendency to start drying out towards the end of the season works to your advantage. Late summer is usually your best bet.
There is a nice place, though. Picking them too early will cause their leaves to wilt, while leaving them too late will cause the flowers to turn brown, which won’t look particularly pretty when dried.
Check your flowers about six weeks after they open. Joe Lampel tells us, “You’ll want to cut your stems back when your hydrangeas are past their peak—wait until they’re fully blooming and you can see some of the petals getting thinner and more leafy.” ‘This is your time!’
(Image credit: Polly Elts)
common questions
How long will dried hydrangeas last?
If you learn how to dry hydrangeas properly, they will stay in good condition for up to two years. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight to extend its life.
You can use dried hydrangeas to decorate your home by placing them in vases, incorporating them into wreaths, or hanging them high in the corner of a room.
How do I stop dried hydrangea petals falling off?
A simple trick to keep dried hydrangeas from unraveling is to use hairspray. Once dry enough, tie the stems together in a loose bunch and lay them flat on a dry surface. Using an aerosol, quickly spray the flowers: this will help prevent the petals from crumbling if they are accidentally touched.
There’s nothing better than prolonging the enjoyment of hydrangeas grown in your garden by drying them, and now is the perfect time to start picking them. Be sure to protect your plants when the weather turns colder by winterizing hydrangeas, so you can enjoy their abundant blooms the following year.
