How to Preserve Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are large, showy, old-fashioned flowers that bloom in summer. Their puffy flower heads make stunning dried flower arrangements. There are a few different ways to preserve hydrangeas. Choose one or more of the methods below and enjoy the beauty of your hydrangea flowers all winter long.

Things You'll Need

• Garden clippers Hammer Rubber bands Vase Glycerin

Instructions

Three Ways to Dry Hydrangeas

1. Dry the blooms right on the plant. Leave any flowers that are already changing color on the plant to dry. Cut them off when they feel completely dry and papery to the touch.

2. Cut the flowers and dry them hanging upside down in bunches. Remove the leaves from stems. Use a rubber band to hold small bunches together. Hang each bunch with a string from a nail or rod in the ceiling in a darkened area, like a storage shed or attic. When flowers are completely dry and feel papery, they are ready.

3. Cut the flowers and dry them standing up in vases. Cut long stems and remove the leaves. Put an inch of water in a vase and put the hydrangeas in the vase just like a bouquet. Replace the water when it evaporates. They will take about three to four weeks to dry completely.

Preserve Hydrangeas with Glycerin

1. Cut the flowers when the petals feel papery, not soft. Cut stems that are as long as possible, preferably at least 18 inches.

2. Smash about 2 inches of the ends of the flower stems with a hammer. This will help the stems take up water. Remove all of the leaves from the stems.

3. Place the flowers into a vase of plain, room-temperature water. Allow them to sit in the water for about two hours. This will fully hydrate the flowers and make them better able to take up and utilize the glycerin.

4. Mix 1 part glycerin with 2 parts hot water. Stir well and allow to cool to lukewarm. Fill a vase large enough to comfortably hold the hydrangeas with glycerin solution. Insert stems of flowers into solution. It will take two to three weeks for the glycerin to completely preserve the flowers. It shouldn't evaporate during this time, but if it does, add more as needed. You can even reuse the solution again and again. They will turn a lovely golden brown all the way to the tips of the petals. When this happens, they are done.

Tips & Warnings

• Glycerin is available at craft stores, pharmacies and drug stores. Pick hydrangeas for drying when the petals feel a little papery. If they feel soft, wait a few days. If the petals are too soft when the flowers are picked, they tend to turn an off-color when dried.

References

• More about preserving hydrangeas.