How to Cut Hydrangeas for Cut Flowers

Many gardeners like to bring their beautiful flowers into the house for use in indoor floral arrangements. Hydrangeas are a favorite flower for cutting and using in fresh arrangements because they are large and colorful. They also last up to two weeks in a cut arrangement, making them durable and dependable as anchor flowers in any arrangement. Watch your hydrangea shrubs, and when you see blossoms that are open completely, they are ready to cut for your fresh arrangements.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hydrangea shrubs
• Pruning shears
• Fresh water
• Container

1. Fill the container with fresh, cold water and take it out to the hydrangea shrub with you. This will enable you to place the freshly cut stems into the cold water immediately.

2. Use pruning shears to cut hydrangea stems with blossoms that are fully open and are in pristine condition. Cut the stems so they are 12 to 18 inches long, and cut them at a 45-degree angle.

3. Remove the leaves from the stems that will be under the water level. Allow the upper leaves to remain on the stems to add greenery to the arrangement.

4. Place the hydrangea stems into the prepared container. Continue cutting until you have all of the stems you desire for your arrangement.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut hydrangea blossoms early in the day so that the blossoms will not wilt after removing from the shrub.
• Arrange the hydrangea stems in a floral arrangement that has abundant fresh water. Do not use oasis foam with hydrangea stems because they need access to a greater amount of water that the oasis foam can provide.
• Change the water in the floral arrangement daily.

References

• Hydrangeas for Cut Arrangments
• Hydrangeas