Drying hydrangeas can preserve their beauty for lasting enjoyment, and one effective method involves letting them partially dry on the plant followed by a water-drying technique.
Preparing Hydrangeas for Drying
The process begins even before you cut the blooms. It's recommended to:
- Let the flowers dry naturally on the plants first. This allows the blooms to start the drying process while still attached to the bush, helping them maintain their structure and color.
The Cutting Process
Timing is key when harvesting your hydrangeas for drying.
- Snip the flowers on a cool morning. This is generally the best time to cut flowers as they are most hydrated, although for drying, selecting blooms that have already begun to feel papery on the plant is crucial (as per step 1). Use sharp pruners for a clean cut.
The Water-Drying Method
Once cut, the specific technique helps the flowers gradually dry out while minimizing wilting.
- Strip off the leaves, and put the stems in a jar of water that covers the stems about halfway. Removing the leaves helps the stem focus on taking up only enough water to support the drying process of the bloom.
Location and Care
Where you place the hydrangeas during this phase significantly impacts the outcome.
- Put the jar in a cool spot out of direct or bright light, and check periodically. A cool, dim location prevents rapid drying, which can cause the blooms to shrivel instead of maintaining their shape. Checking periodically allows you to monitor the water level and the drying progress. Over time, the water will evaporate, and the flowers will dry completely in the jar.
Following these steps, particularly incorporating the initial on-plant drying and the water method in a suitable location, helps achieve beautifully preserved hydrangea blooms.
