There's something undeniably captivating about hydrangeas, with their full, fluffy blooms that add elegance to any room. If you've been lucky enough to receive a hydrangea bouquet or pick some fresh flowers from your garden, you'll want to keep them looking fresh for as long as possible. 

Luckily, hydrangea bouquet care is fairly easy. Here are some of them:

1. Trim The Stems For Maximum Water Absorption

When you first bring your hydrangea bouquet home (or receive it as a gift), the first thing you'll want to do is trim the stems. 

Hydrangeas have woody stems, making water absorption more challenging than softer-stemmed flowers. To help them soak up water more effectively, cut the stems at a slant angle using sharp scissors or pruning shears.

For best results, trim the stems under running water to prevent air bubbles from forming inside the stem, as they can block the water flow, causing your hydrangeas to wilt prematurely.

2. Keep The Water Fresh

Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers, so keeping the water fresh is essential. Change the water in your vase every 1-2 days to prevent bacteria from growing, which can shorten the life of your blooms. Hydrangeas also benefit from flower food, which is usually included in store-bought bouquets. 

3. Misting The Blooms

One of the unique things about hydrangeas is that they absorb water not just through their stems but also through their petals. To help keep your blooms hydrated, mist them with water once or twice a day. This is especially helpful in hot or dry environments where the flowers may dry out more quickly.

4. Use The Boiling Water Trick For Extra Longevity

Hydrangeas are known for wilting quickly if they don't get enough water. To help prevent wilting, you can use a little trick known as the boiling water technique. 

After trimming the stems, dip the cut ends into boiling water for about 30 seconds. This helps to remove any blockages in the stem and allows the flowers to absorb water more efficiently.

Once you've dipped the stems in boiling water, immediately place them in fresh, cool water. You'll notice a significant improvement in the length of your blooms.

5. Choose The Right Spot For The Vase

Where you place your hydrangea can greatly affect the flowers' lifespan. Hydrangeas do best in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators or kitchen appliances. 

A shaded spot in a room with moderate temperature is ideal. Avoid placing them near fruit bowls, as some fruits release ethylene gas, which can speed up the flower's ageing process.

6. Cut Stems Every Few Days

One of the most important tips for caring for hydrangeas in a vase is to ensure that the flowers can absorb water efficiently. 

Over time, the cut ends of the stems can become blocked with air bubbles or bacteria, limiting their ability to take in water. When hydrangeas can't absorb enough water, they start to wilt prematurely.

By trimming the stems every few days, you remove the clogged section and expose a fresh part of the stem that can better absorb water. 

For the best results, trim the stems under running water or in a bowl of water. This prevents air from entering the stem and creating air pockets that can block water absorption.

7. Remove Fading Blooms

Hydrangea blooms don't all age at the same rate. Some flowers will naturally start to wilt or turn brown sooner than others. When you notice a flower beginning to fade, it's important to remove it promptly.

Why? As flowers decay, they can release ethylene gas, accelerating nearby blooms' ageing process. This means that one dying flower can cause the others in your bouquet to fade more quickly. 

Removing wilting flowers prevents this chain reaction and helps the rest of your bouquet stay fresh and vibrant longer.

Gently snip off the fading bloom at the base of its stem, careful not to disturb the healthy flowers.

8. Add More Flower Food

If you notice the water becoming cloudy, it's a sign that bacteria are in the vase. That's your cue to change the water immediately. Each time you change the water, you should add more flower food to maintain a healthy environment for your hydrangeas.

You can easily make your own if you don't have commercial flower food. Here's a simple DIY recipe:

• 1 teaspoon of sugar (feeds the flowers)
• 2-3 drops of bleach (prevents bacteria)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon or lime juice (lowers pH)

This combination will mimic the effects of store-bought flower food and help keep your bouquet fresh.

Pro tip: Always dissolve the ingredients in freshwater before adding them to the vase. Hydrangeas are particularly sensitive to water conditions, so keeping the water clean and full of nutrients will help prolong their lives.

9. Reviving Wilted Hydrangeas

Even with the best care, hydrangeas can sometimes wilt unexpectedly. But don't worry—there's a way to bring them back to life! If you notice your hydrangeas starting to droop, try the submersion technique:

• Fill the sink with cool water.
• Completely submerge the hydrangea blooms for 30-45 minutes.
• After soaking, give the stems a fresh trim and place them back into a vase with clean water.

This method works because hydrangeas can absorb water through their petals and stems. After a good soak, they'll often perk up and continue looking fresh for several more days.

Conclusion About Hydrangea Bouquet Care

Caring for hydrangeas is a rewarding experience, whether enjoying a fresh bouquet or preserving the flowers for later. 

Proper care for hydrangeas in a vase—regular trimming, changing water, misting, and strategic placement—can keep your blooms looking vibrant for days, if not weeks. And when they start to fade, don't hesitate to use drying techniques to enjoy your hydrangeas even longer.

If you are looking to buy hydrangea flowers for your home or for someone else, visit Windflower Florist. We offer flower delivery in Singapore, providing a wide selection of hydrangeas and other beautiful blooms. Check out our store today and get a 5% discount on your first order!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrangea Bouquet Care

How Do You Preserve Hydrangea Bouquets?

To preserve a hydrangea bouquet, hang the blooms upside down in a cool, dry place for about 2-3 weeks. You can also place the flowers in a vase with a small amount of water and let them dry naturally as the water evaporates.

How Long Do Hydrangeas Last In A Bouquet?

With proper care, hydrangeas can last up to 7-10 days in a vase. Regular stem trimming, freshwater changes, and the use of flower food will help extend their lifespan.

Why Do Hydrangeas Wilt So Quickly?

Hydrangeas are sensitive to dehydration, and if they don't absorb enough water through their stems or petals, they wilt rapidly. Stem blockages from air bubbles or bacteria often cause wilting, which can be prevented by frequent trimming and clean water.

Is It Normal For Hydrangea Petals To Turn Brown?

Yes, browning petals are a sign of ageing or dehydration, often caused by insufficient water or exposure to heat. Removing the browning petals can help keep the rest of the bouquet looking fresh for longer.