How To Dry Beautiful, Showy Hydrangeas The Easy Way

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Learn how to dry hydrangeas the easy way and preserve their beauty for year-round decor. With simple tips and techniques, you can enjoy these stunning blooms long after summer has passed.

Now is the perfect time to think about drying hydrangeas and enjoying their beauty year-round. If you’re like me and have an abundance of these stunning blooms surrounding your home, you’ll be thrilled to know that drying hydrangeas is incredibly easy.

Hydrangeas are true stars of the garden. Their spectacular colors, from the softest pastels to rich, bold hues, make them a favorite for garden lovers everywhere.

The magic of hydrangeas doesn’t end when summer fades. In fact, late summer is when hydrangea blooms begin to transform, taking on muted, vintage tones—blues deepen, pinks become dusky, and white hydrangeas turn green and then beige, tinged with pink. It’s almost as if hydrangeas enter a second life, full of texture and grace.

Preserving them allows us to enjoy their showy beauty throughout the year to enhance our home decor! With just a little care, dried hydrangeas keep their elegant shape and subtle hues, making them the perfect way to bring a touch of the garden inside, no matter the season.

So, let’s dive into the best way to dry these gorgeous flowers and savor their natural beauty all year long!

The Most Important Thing To Know About Drying Hydrangeas

While hydrangeas can be harvested from late summer into early fall, the perfect time to cut them for drying varies based on your location, climate, and the specific variety of hydrangea you’re growing. Generally, you’ll want to start looking for the right blooms from August to October. I usually cut drying hydrangeas in my area from late August through September.

It’s All About Timing

But here’s the trick: don’t rush to cut them while they’re at their brightest! Hydrangeas are best harvested for drying when their colors have started to mature and deepen. The petals will feel a little more papery, and the vibrant summer hues will fade to gorgeous vintage tones. This slight change indicates they’re losing moisture and are ready to be preserved. If you cut them too early, they may wilt or shrivel during the drying process.

So, keep an eye on your hydrangeas and wait for the moment when the flowers have just started to dry on the bush but still hold their elegant shape. This will ensure you get the best-looking dried flowers that can last throughout the year.

Tips For Cutting Hydrangeas To Dry

Timing is everything when it comes to picking hydrangeas for drying, and knowing when not to cut them is just as important.

Keep Fresh Hydrangeas On The Plant

As tempting as it may be to snip those freshly bloomed hydrangeas at their peak, resist the urge if you want to dry them! Freshly opened flowers are still full of moisture, and if you try to dry them too soon, they’re likely to wilt and lose their shape before the drying process is complete.

Pick Blossoms In Dry Weather Conditions

Avoid picking hydrangeas right after a rain shower, on days when the humidity is high, or early in the morning when dew is still clinging to the petals. All that extra moisture means they won’t dry properly and could end up molding or wilting instead of maintaining their beautiful, full shape.

The ideal time to harvest is in the afternoon when the blooms are dry and beginning to show signs of aging—when the petals feel a little papery and the colors are starting to soften. This ensures that your hydrangeas will dry beautifully and last longer.

Cutting Stems From The Bush

When you’re ready to cut your hydrangeas for drying, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results. First, always use sharp shears and cut stems straight just above a leaf node or pair of leaves on the stem. No need to cut the stems at an angle.

Cutting long stems gives you more flexibility when decorating with them later. Once they’re dried, you can trim the stems shorter to fit your arrangement but can’t add length back. It’s always better to have longer stems to work with!

And really, that’s the only firm rules when it comes to cutting those fluffy, mop-headed hydrangea varieties to dry. With these simple guidelines in mind, you’re well on your way to enjoying their graceful presence for months to come!

Things You Will Need To Harvest Drying Hydrangeas

Drying hydrangeas is a simple and rewarding process! When they are cut at the right time, there is no need for a bucket of water and no special flower food.

With just a couple of basic tools, you’ll be ready to gather those beautiful blooms and begin preserving them for year-round enjoyment. Here are the essentials you’ll need:

• Sharp Garden Shears: A good pair of sharp shears or pruners is key to making clean cuts without damaging the stems. Dull shears can crush the stems. It’s also worth mentioning not to break off hydrangea stems, as this could damage the plant.
• A Container or Basket: As you collect your hydrangeas, you’ll need something sturdy to carry them in. A large basket or bucket works perfectly to keep the stems organized and prevent the flowers from getting crushed as you move through the garden.

Prune With Your Hydrangea Shrub In Mind

When cutting hydrangeas for drying, it’s important to think about the overall health and shape of the shrub. Hydrangeas are resilient, but you must avoid over-pruning or cutting areas out of your plant.

As you harvest your blooms, be mindful of the shrub’s natural form. Try to cut from areas that could use a little thinning or where the blooms are clustered together. This will help maintain an open, airy shape that will keep your hydrangea shrub or tree healthy in the seasons to come.

If you’re selective and careful about where you trim, not only will you have beautiful dried flowers, but your shrub will also look full and balanced, ready to produce even more gorgeous blooms next year!

Before You Bring Your Blooms Inside: Two Important Step

Before you rush to bring your beautiful hydrangeas indoors to use in your decor, there’s one more important step you don’t want to skip!

Strip Off The Leaves

It’s also important to strip all the leaves off the hydrangea stems before drying them, as they will wither and dry, becoming unsightly. Doing this outside is a smart idea because it minimizes the mess indoors, as leaves can be full of dirt, debris, and insects you don’t want to bring into your home.

What To Do When You Bring Your Hydrangeas Inside

Once your hydrangeas are inside, the good news is that they don’t need much care! If they are picked at the right time, they are already dry enough to use. Unlike fresh flowers, there’s no need to place them in water. In fact, keeping them dry is key to preserving their shape and color.

Simply arrange them in one or several vases or containers without crowding and let nature take its course. Over time, they’ll continue to dry out while maintaining their lovely form.

What To Do If Your Cut Hydrangeas When They Are Not Sufficiently Dried

Over the years, I’ve made the mistake of cutting and bringing in hydrangeas that have not been dry enough. It’s just so tempting to have these gorgeous, preserved blooms in my home. So what do you do if, like me, you cut hydrangeas that still have a bit too much moisture in them?

No problem. There are a few simple ways to remedy this and dry the blooms beautifully. The key is to act before they wilt or become damaged, so you need to act quickly.

• Give Them More Air Drying Time: If your hydrangeas still feel soft or damp, simply allow them more time to dry. Remove them from any container and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place, or lay them flat on a wire rack where air can circulate around them. This helps any remaining moisture evaporate naturally.
• Use Silica Gel for Faster Drying: If time is an issue, or your hydrangeas still aren’t drying properly, try placing them in silica gel. This drying agent absorbs moisture quickly. Cover the blooms completely in a container with silica gel and let them sit for a few days. This method works well for delicate blooms that need extra drying help.
• Place Them in a Jar with a Little Water: Another effective method is to put the hydrangeas in a vase or jar with about an inch of water. As the water gradually evaporates, the flowers will dry slowly, allowing them to retain their shape and color better. This gentle drying process helps prevent wilting while giving the hydrangeas time to dry at a natural pace.
• Enjoy Their Freshness: If hydrangeas are cut too early and won’t hold their shape while drying, simply place them in water and enjoy their fresh beauty. Let them brighten your space until they naturally fade, and then discard them when they’re spent.

How To Preserve Hydrangeas

Once your hydrangeas have dried, there are a few simple steps you can take so your blooms stay beautiful for as long as possible. With the right care, dried hydrangeas can last for months, even years, adding a touch of timeless charm to your decor. Here are some easy tips to help preserve their color, shape, and texture:

Spray with a UV Floral Preservative: A UV floral preservative helps prevent color fading by blocking harmful sunlight. This is a great way to keep your hydrangeas looking vibrant for longer, especially if they’re displayed in a well-lit room.

Use Hairspray: A light mist of hairspray can help hold the delicate petals in place and reduce shedding. This is especially useful if your hydrangeas will be handled or moved often.

Keep Out of Bright Light: Bright light can cause hydrangea colors to fade quickly, so display them in a spot with indirect or soft lighting for longer-lasting beauty.

Store in a Cool Location: Heat can cause dried flowers to become brittle and fragile. To preserve the texture and shape of your hydrangeas, keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight.

Handle With Care: Dried hydrangeas can be fragile, so handle them gently to avoid crushing or breaking the petals. If possible, limit how often you touch them to help maintain their fullness and form.

Hydrangea Storing Ideas

When you’re ready to put your dried hydrangeas away for future use, gently wrap them in tissue paper to protect the delicate petals. Store them in a cool, dry place, laying them flat or hanging them upside down to prevent crushing. This will help them stay in great condition for the next time you want to use them!

If you only need the flower heads and not the stems, you can trim the stems off and store the blooms flat. Again, if they are picked at the right time, there is no need to put them in silica gel.

Lay them in a single layer with the flower side up, resting on the part closest to where the stems were cut. This allows them to keep their shape without getting crushed, making them easy to store until you’re ready to use them in wreaths, centerpieces, or other decor.

Ways To Use Dried Hydrangeas

I’ve been adding them to my Christmas tree for decades, but I especially love incorporating them into my fall decor. There’s something so satisfying about displaying a bouquet of dried hydrangeas that you’ve carefully picked and preserved from your own garden—it’s like capturing a piece of summer to enjoy through the year.

I’m making a small wreath of dried hydrangeas to display on the glass doors of our bookcase this fall. Look for an upcoming post about it.

Dried hydrangeas are incredibly versatile and can be used to decorate your home all year long! Their timeless beauty adds a touch of nature to any season, and their soft, muted colors fit effortlessly into almost any decor.

Here are some of my favorite ways to decorate with dried hydrangeas:

• In a Vase or Pitcher: Create a simple, natural arrangement by placing dried hydrangeas in a favorite vase or vintage pitcher.
• Tucked Into a Christmas Tree: Add dried hydrangeas to your Christmas tree for a soft, natural touch. Their earthy tones blend wonderfully with holiday decor, adding fullness and texture to your tree.
• Hydrangea Wreaths: Use dried hydrangeas to craft a wreath for your front door or any interior space. They work especially well for fall or winter wreaths, adding a rustic, cozy feel. Just keep them protected from the elements.
• Mantel Displays: Add a few stems of dried hydrangeas to your mantel decor. Pair them with candles, lanterns, or seasonal accents to create a stunning focal point.
• Tablescapes: Dried hydrangeas make beautiful centerpieces for your dining or coffee table. Mix them with other dried flowers or natural elements like pinecones or pumpkins for a stunning seasonal floral arrangement.
• Garlands: For a lovely look, incorporate hydrangeas into garlands. They can be mixed with greenery, berries, or twinkling lights for an eye-catching decoration across your mantel or banister.
• In Dough Bowls or Trays: Place dried hydrangea heads in a large dough bowl or decorative tray as a centerpiece or on a coffee table. They add softness and color to any space.
• Tied to Gifts: A small dried hydrangea bloom is a charming and unique embellishment for gift wrapping. It adds a special, personal touch to any present.
• Faux Fireplace Filler: If you have a non-working fireplace, fill a large open basket with dried hydrangeas and other dried florals to create a stunning, unexpected display.

Drying hydrangeas is a simple and rewarding way to preserve the beauty of these stunning blooms long after their season has passed. With a little patience and these helpful tips, you can enjoy their graceful presence in your home all year round.

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Happy Fall!