Flower Care Tips: Hydrangeas!

March 1, 2024

Hydrangeas are stunning flowers that can bring a touch of elegance and charm to any room. Known for their voluminous blooms and vibrant colors (they come in blues, greens, pinks, purples, and more!), these flowers are a popular choice for both garden enthusiasts and indoor floral arrangements.

Hydrangeas require a LOT of water! Follow these simple tips to make your hydrangeas last longer in a vase:

1. Cut Stems Properly

Properly cutting the stems is essential for hydrangeas to absorb water effectively. Here’s how to do it:

Cut at an angle: Use sharp scissors or floral shears to make a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stems. This creates a larger surface area for water absorption.
Cut under running water: To prevent air bubbles from entering the stem, cut the stems while submerged under water. This helps keep the water channels open for better hydration.
Shorten the stems: If your vase isn’t tall, trim the hydrangea stems to the desired length. Be sure to make fresh cuts every few days to ensure optimal water uptake.

2. Hydrate

Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers, so hydration. Here's how to keep them well-hydrated:

Submerge the heads in water: One unique trait of hydrangeas is that they can absorb water through their petals! If you notice the blooms wilting, submerge the flower heads in water for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate them. This can revive droopy flowers.
Fill the vase with plenty of water: Hydrangeas need a lot of water, so ensure the vase is filled at least halfway. Check the water level daily and top it up as needed.
Add flower food or an at-home flower food solution!

3. Keep the Vase in A Good Location

Where you place your hydrangea vase matters. Here are some tips:

Cool location: Hydrangeas prefer cooler temperatures, so keep the vase in a cool room, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or drafts.
No direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause hydrangeas to wilt faster. While they love sun in the garden, cut hydrangeas do better in indirect light indoors.
Avoid fruit: Keep your vase away from ripening fruits like apples and bananas. These fruits release ethylene gas, which accelerates the wilting process in flowers.

4. Change the Water Regularly

Bacteria build-up in the water is one of the biggest causes of hydrangeas (and all flowers) wilting prematurely. To prevent this:

Change the water every 1-2 days: Dump out the old water, rinse the vase, and refill with fresh water.
Re-cut the stems: With each water change, trim about 1/2 inch off the stems to promote water uptake.

5. Revive Wilting Blooms

If your hydrangeas begin to prematurely droop, there’s a simple trick to bring them back to life:

Dunk the blooms: If your hydrangeas start to wilt, fully submerge the flowers (stem and all) in water for a few hours or overnight. Hydrangeas can absorb water through their petals, and this method often revives them.