How to Cut Drying Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are among the most beautiful flowers. Their large, pendulous blooms are easy to preserve through careful drying. Some species will retain their color quite well, and all of them make great additions to flower arrangements. Not all hydrangea varieties are good at holding their color when dry. For maximum color, look for Penny Mac, Preziosa, or Altona varieties.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning shears
• Mature hydrangeas

1. Select completely mature flowers on the hydrangea bush, or even those a little past their prime. When blooms begin to die on the plant, hydrangeas feel papery. These blooms are best, because they do not have as much water content and will dry quickly. It is best to leave all the blooms on the plant until the end of the summer, then harvest them. Blooms harvested at the peak of their color have a tendency to fade and not dry as well. It is best, therefore, to let the blooms fade naturally and then harvest them. Many hydrangea growers swear that the timing of bloom harvest is key to making beautiful arrangements later.

2. Make sure the blooms you are selecting are not wet from rain or dew. Hydrangea blooms are difficult to dry off without harming the flowers, so beginning the drying process without the excess water is desirable and will yield the best results.

3. Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower, making sure to leave a long stem. Hydrangeas can be dried by hanging them upside down, and a long stem will help you in hanging them properly.

4. Strip the leaves off the stem.

Tips & Warnings

• To dry your newly-harvested hydranageas, strip the leaves from the stems and hang them upside down in an environment that is warm and dry but without access to direct sunlight. Within a few weeks, you can place your hydrangeas in a dried flower arrangement.