Flowers + Plants 101
Ultimate Guide to Hydrangea Care: Prolong the Beauty of Your Blooms
Monday, June 5, 2023
Hydrangeas are a gardener's delight, their lush clusters of flowers creating an impressive spectacle.
If you've ever brought these blooms indoors, you may have noticed that they can wilt rather quickly. However, with proper care and handling, you can prolong the life of your cut hydrangeas. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to ensure your hydrangeas stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible.
How to Cut Hydrangea Blooms
The way you cut your hydrangea flowers plays a significant role in their lifespan. For a clean cut that minimizes damage, use a sharp knife or gardening secateurs. General-purpose scissors and blunt knives may crush the cells, preventing proper water absorption. Cut your hydrangea at a 45-degree angle, maximizing the surface area for water intake. This angled cut also prevents the stem from pressing against the vase bottom, allowing for continuous water access. Immediately after cutting, place the stem into a bucket of water to prevent the cut from sealing over.
Reviving and Prolonging the Life of Cut Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas can sometimes wilt soon after being cut due to a sticky substance that clogs the stems, but don't worry, there are methods to prevent this: 1. The Hot Water Method: Immediately after cutting each bloom, place the stem in water. Once inside, boil water and place the stems in the hot water for 30 seconds. After, put them into room temperature water. This method can even revive hydrangeas that have wilted a few days after cutting. 2. The Alum Dip Method: After cutting hydrangea blooms and placing them in water, recut the stems and dip the bottom 1/2 inch into powdered alum, then arrange as usual in water. Alum, a naturally occurring mineral, can make your hydrangeas last longer, both in the garden and in your arrangement.
Arrangement Care
Once your beautiful arrangement is complete, keep your hydrangeas in a cool environment, away from direct sunlight or drafts. Regularly change the water—every two days is ideal, especially if you notice your blooms starting to droop. If they do start wilting, trim an inch off the stem and repeat the Hot Water Method.
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Final Thoughts
With these tips and tricks, your cut hydrangeas should stay fresh and vibrant for at least a couple of weeks, brightening up your space with their timeless beauty. Remember, the key is in the details: how you cut, where you place, and how you maintain your arrangement all contribute to the longevity of your hydrangeas.
Keep this guide handy whenever you're dealing with cut hydrangeas and you'll always have fresh, beautiful blooms to enjoy.
