How To Dry Out Hydrangea Flowers: 6 Must-Read Steps

Hydrangeas, with their exquisite blooms and captivating colours, bring a touch of elegance and charm to any space. While their beauty is undeniable when freshly cut, did you know that drying hydrangeas can create stunning, long-lasting arrangements? 

This article will guide you on how to dry hydrangeas, allowing you to preserve and enjoy their splendour for months. Discover the secrets to drying hydrangeas and unlock a new world of floral creativity.

1. Selecting The Right Hydrangeas

Preserving hydrangeas begins with choosing the suitable bloom. Look for mature hydrangea flowers that have reached their full colour but have yet to dry on the plant fully. Avoid selecting wilted, damaged blooms or in the early stages of development. 

Opt for hydrangeas with sturdy stems, which will hold up better during preservation. Vibrant and healthy petals are key to achieving stunning preserved hydrangeas, so take your time to find the perfect specimens.

2. Preparing The Hydrangeas For Drying

Proper preparation for drying flowers like hydrangeas is essential to ensure the success of your project. Start by cutting the hydrangea stems at a 45-degree angle, using sharp and clean pruners. The length of the stems should be determined by your chosen drying method. 

For air drying, leave longer stems to accommodate hanging. Remove any excess foliage from the branches, which can divert energy from the blooms and hinder drying. Focusing on the blooms enhances their chances of retaining their colour and shape.

3. Air Drying Method

The air-drying method is a classic and straightforward approach to preserving hydrangeas. Gather a small bunch of hydrangea stems, approximately five to six stems per bunch, and secure them together with some string. Ensure the bunch is compact but tight, allowing for adequate airflow. Hang the tied stems upside down in a cool, dry, dark area like a closet or a storeroom with no windows.

This method enables the hydrangeas to dehydrate while retaining their colour gradually. Be patient. The drying process will take several weeks, periodically checking their progress. Once thoroughly dried, the hydrangeas will become stiff and papery, ready for long-term display.

4. Water Drying Method

The water drying method provides an alternative approach to preserve hydrangeas while maintaining their original colour. Fill a container with a few inches of water and add floral preservatives to nourish the blooms and prevent wilting. Place the hydrangea stems in the container, ensuring that only the bottom inch of the stems is submerged in the water. The blooms should not touch the water itself. 

Leave the container undisturbed in a cool and dark location, away from direct sunlight. The hydrangeas will dry naturally as the water evaporates while retaining their vibrant colours. This method is particularly suitable for preserving hydrangeas with minimal colour fading.

5. Preserving Dried Hydrangeas

Once your hydrangeas have dried using your chosen method, taking steps to preserve their beauty is essential for long-term enjoyment. Ensure the blooms are fully dry before handling them to avoid damage or mould formation. 

Once dry, you can enhance their durability by applying a protective spray or hairspray. Hold the spray bottle a few inches away from the dried petals and coat them evenly. This simple step adds an extra layer of protection, preventing shedding and extending the lifespan of the preserved hydrangeas. 

Finally, store the preserved hydrangeas in a suitable container, such as a vase or display case, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Display them proudly, and enjoy the everlasting beauty of your preserved hydrangeas.

6. Best Ways To Display Dried Hydrangeas

When displaying dried hydrangeas, there are several creative and aesthetically pleasing options. 

• Vase Arrangement: Place your dried hydrangeas in a tall, clear glass vase or a vintage-inspired ceramic vessel. Trim the stems to your desired length and arrange them in a way that highlights their shape and colour. You can display a single hydrangea stem or create a fuller arrangement by grouping multiple stems.
• Wreath or Swag: Craft a beautiful wreath or swag using dried hydrangea blooms. Start with a base made of grapevine, wire, or a premade wreath form. Attach the hydrangea stems to the base using floral wire, hot glue, or twine. Adding other dried flowers, foliage, or decorative elements enhances the arrangement.
• Shadow Box or Frame: Preserve a single dried hydrangea bloom or a small cluster by mounting them in a shadow box or framing them. Arrange the blooms on acid-free paper or fabric and secure them in place. Place the finished piece in a shadow box or behind glass in a frame for an elegant and unique wall display.
• Dried Flower Bouquet: Combine dried hydrangeas with other dried flowers, grasses, and foliage to create a stunning bouquet. Tie the stems with a ribbon or twine, and trim them to a uniform length. You can expose the stems or wrap them with decorative paper or fabric.
• Hanging Decor: Attach dried hydrangea stems to a decorative ribbon or twine and create a hanging display. You can hang them individually or make multiple bunches at different lengths for a cascading effect. Hang them from a hook on a wall, a curtain rod, or a ceiling fixture.
• Centrepiece: Arrange dried hydrangeas in a shallow bowl or tray as a striking centrepiece for your dining table or coffee table. Pair them with candles, pinecones, or other natural elements for a seasonal touch. You can also incorporate dried grasses, branches, or dried citrus slices for more texture.

Conclusion On How To Dry Hydrangea Blooms

Drying out hydrangeas can bring joy and touch of nature's charm to your home. From vibrant bouquets to charming wreaths and unique floral crafts, these flowers offer endless possibilities. For fresh hydrangeas and expert advice, rely on Windflower Florist, the renowned florist in Singapore and explore our shop of beautifully preserved and dried flowers.

With their everlasting beauty, they bring joy and a touch of nature's charm to your home. From vibrant bouquets to charming wreaths and unique floral crafts, these everlasting blooms offer endless possibilities. Explore our shop of beautifully preserved and dried flowers; perfect floral treasures waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Dry Hydrangeas

How Long Do Dried Hydrangeas Last?

Dried hydrangeas can last several months to a few years, depending on the preservation method used and how well they are cared for. Properly dried and stored hydrangeas can retain their shape and colour for an extended period.

Do Dried Hydrangeas Need Water? 

No, dried hydrangeas do not require water. They have been dried to remove moisture, so adding water can cause them to rehydrate and lose shape. Keep dried hydrangeas in a dry environment to maintain their appearance.

How Do I Prevent Dried Hydrangeas From Shedding? 

You can apply a protective spray or hairspray to the dried hydrangea petals to prevent shedding. Hold the spray bottle a few inches away from the blooms and coat them evenly. This helps to seal the petals and reduce shedding.

Can I Dye Dried Hydrangeas A Different Colour? 

Yes, you can dye dried hydrangeas to change their colour. You can use floral spray paint or a mixture of water and fabric dye. Lightly mist or dip the dried blooms into the dye solution, allowing them to dry completely before handling.