Since our post about how to cut peony for indoor vases was such a hit, we thought we would share a how-to cut hydrangea and keep them from wilting.   Another popular summer flower, hydrangea can be tricky and you probably see them wilt soon after you bring them indoors. 

While on vacation last summer, our rental had these beautiful hydrangea bushes.  By following the steps below they lasted the entire week indoors during our stay.  I could not bear to throw them out when we left so I really don’t know how long they lasted.

 

Here’s a few ways to guarantee full, long lasting cut hydrangea blooms!

If you plan on cutting them early in the season, follow these simple steps: 

 

1. TAKE A CONTAINER OF WATER OUT TO THE GARDEN WITH YOU WHEN CUTTING HYDRANGEAS.

As soon as hydrangeas are cut the stems should immediately be put into tepid water. Use a sharp knife or  sharp clippers to cut each stem on a diagonal and submerge!

2. Cut hydrangeas in the morning and choose only the most mature blooms. 

Your flowers will look fresher than if they’ve been under the hot sun all day. Since the flowers are fresher, they will last longer in your arrangement. The most mature blooms look more papery than the younger blooms.

3. PREPARE WATER IN A CONTAINER OR VASE FOR INDOOR USE

Use clean, room temperature water for hydrangeas. If you have floral preservative you can use it too. 

 

4. STRIP THE LEAVES OFF OF CUT HYDRANGEA STEMS

While you may like the look of those big green leaves of hydrangea in your arrangement, unfortunately the leaves suck up a lot of the water. 

 

 

Simply strip off most of the leaves once you bring them inside.  At the very least, like any other flower arrangement, leaves that are below the water line should absolutely be removed!

 

 

 

5.CUT AND SMASH THE BOTTOM OF THE STEMS

Once you have determined the length of stem you need, cut the stems.  I don’t care to smash the stems so I simply cut the bottom of each stem on the diagonal and then make a cut up each stem.  This allows for plenty of water flow into the flower. 

6.REPLACE WATER EVERY OTHER DAY

Another great practice for any fresh cut arrangement.  Replacing the water in the vase or containers that hold hydrangeas will keep them fresher longer!  

HOW LONG WILL HYDRANGEAS LAST IN A VASE? 

Add 1-3 days if you are cutting them fresh from the Garden:

Otherwise: You really want to make sure you are buying the freshest Hydrangeas available (1-3 days old) as they only tend to last 5-9 days depending on how you care for them.