Drying hydrangeas is a wonderful way to enjoy their vibrant blooms long after the growing season has ended. To create a stunning arrangement or keep a sentimental bouquet, you must learn how to dry out hydrangeas properly.
Please note that drying hydrangeas can be a bit more challenging than drying other flowers due to their dense blooms and the amount of moisture they contain.
But by following a few key considerations, you can ensure your dried blooms remain beautiful and intact. Here are four essential things to consider when drying hydrangeas for a beautiful arrangement.
1. Timing
The first step in drying hydrangeas is choosing the right time to harvest them. Timing is crucial to ensure the flowers keep their colour and shape during drying. Here are a few tips:
- Bloom Maturity: Harvest hydrangeas when the blooms are mature but not fully open. Look for flowers that are slightly papery to the touch and have begun to change colour from vibrant hues to more muted tones.
- Seasonal Timing: The best time to cut hydrangeas for drying is late summer to early autumn. The flowers have had ample time to mature and develop their full colour during this period.
2. Proper Cutting Technique
Hydrangeas have a unique shape and structure that can be challenging to maintain during drying. Their large, round heads can droop or become misshapen if not handled carefully.
How you cut your hydrangeas can impact the drying process. Follow these guidelines for the best results:
- Sharp Tools: Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make a clean cut. This helps prevent damage to the stems and ensures better water absorption using water drying.
- Stem Length: Cut the stems to your desired length, typically around 12-18 inches. This allows for easier handling and arranging during the drying process.
3. Methods For Drying Hydrangeas
There are several methods for drying hydrangeas, each with its advantages. Here are the most popular ones:
Air Drying
Air drying is one of the simplest and most effective ways to dry hydrangeas. Here's how to do it:
- Select the Blooms: Choose hydrangea flowers that are fully open and have started to take on a light green hue.
- Cut the Stems: Using sharp shears, cut the stems to your desired length, leaving enough to arrange in a vase.
- Remove Leaves: Strip off any leaves from the stems to prevent moisture retention.
- Hang the Blooms: Bundle several stems and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place. Ensure the location has good air circulation.
- Wait: Allow the flowers to dry naturally for several weeks. When fully dried, the petals will turn brown and feel papery.
Water Drying Method
Hydrangeas have a high moisture content, which means they take longer to dry than flowers with less moisture. That being said, another effective technique is the water-drying method. Done right, this method can help the flowers maintain a more vibrant colour:
- Fill a Vase: Fill a vase with a few inches of water.
- Arrange the Blooms: Place the cut hydrangea blooms in the vase, ensuring the stems are submerged.
- Wait: Let the water evaporate slowly over time. This process can take several weeks but helps preserve the blooms' colour and structure.
Silica Gel Drying
Silica gel drying is the fastest method and is excellent for preserving the vibrant colours of hydrangeas. Follow these steps:
- Materials Needed: You'll need silica gel, a container with an airtight lid, and trimmed hydrangea blooms.
- Preparation: Trim the hydrangea blooms, leaving a short stem.
- Burying Blooms: Pour a layer of silica gel into the container, then place the blooms face-up on top. Carefully cover the flowers completely with more silica gel, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Sealing: Seal the container with an airtight lid.
- Drying Time: Leave the container sealed for about four to seven days. Check the flowers periodically to see if they are dry.
- Removal: Gently remove the flowers from the silica gel, shaking off any excess gel. Use a soft brush to clean off any remaining particles.
- Storage: Store the dried flowers in a dry place or use them immediately for decoration.
4. Environment Considerations
The dense clusters of small flowers in hydrangea blooms can make it difficult for air to circulate. This density can slow down the drying process and make it harder to achieve uniform drying. Hence, good air circulation is crucial for drying and maintaining the flowers' shape.
You should also ensure the drying area is free from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent colour fading and mould growth. Lastly, remember that excess humidity can lead to mould growth. Ensure the drying area is well-ventilated and maintain a low humidity level.
Creative Ideas For Arranging Dried Hydrangeas
Dried hydrangeas offer creative possibilities for home decor and crafting projects. Here are some inspiring ideas to help you make the most of these beautiful, preserved flowers:
Elegant Vase Arrangements
Place dried hydrangeas in decorative vases to create stunning arrangements. Choose vases that complement the colour and style of your hydrangeas. Fill a vase with a single variety of hydrangeas for a classic, elegant look, or combine dried hydrangeas with other dried flowers like lavender, roses, and baby's breath for a more eclectic and textured arrangement.
Seasonal Wreaths
Make your seasonal wreaths using dried hydrangeas as the focal point. Combine dried hydrangeas with dried leaves, berries, and small gourds to create a vibrant autumn wreath, or add pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and festive ribbons for a beautiful holiday wreath.
Table Centrepieces
Dried hydrangeas make exquisite table centrepieces for special occasions or everyday decor. Arrange hydrangeas in a wooden box or rustic container with other dried foliage for a farmhouse-style centrepiece. Use a clear glass bowl or an antique vase filled with dried hydrangeas and decorative pebbles or beads for an elegant display.
Decorative Garlands
Craft decorative garlands with dried hydrangeas for an enchanting addition to your decor. String dried hydrangeas along with fairy lights and greenery to create a garland for your mantel or staircase, or use dried hydrangea garlands to decorate for weddings, parties, or special events, adding a touch of natural beauty.
Tips For Preserving Dried Hydrangeas
Dried hydrangeas are a stunning addition to your home, bringing timeless beauty. To ensure that your dried hydrangeas remain a beautiful and lasting part of your home decor, follow these tips:
- Handle with Care: Dried hydrangeas are delicate and can easily be damaged. Handle them gently to avoid breaking the fragile petals and stems. Choose a location where they won't be frequently touched or moved. When arranging, use gentle hands and support the stems as much as possible to prevent breakage.
- Choose The Right Display Location: Place them in an area with indirect light to preserve their colour and longevity. Occasionally rotate the arrangement to ensure even light exposure if necessary.
- Control Humidity and Temperature: Keep them dry, ideally with a humidity level below 50%. Maintain a stable temperature, avoiding areas with high heat or cold drafts.
- Dust Regularly: To remove dust, use a soft brush, feather duster, or a hair dryer in low-cool mode. Dust them lightly every few weeks to keep them looking fresh.
- Preserve Color with Hairspray: Lightly spraying dried hydrangeas with hairspray can help preserve their colour and prevent petals from becoming too brittle. Hold the hairspray at least one foot away and lightly mist the flowers. Reapply every few months or as needed.
- Avoid Water and Moisture: Keep dried hydrangeas away from areas with high moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. If any water accidentally splashes on them, dry them quickly with a soft cloth.
- Prevent Insect Damage: Dried flowers can sometimes attract insects. Regularly inspect your dried hydrangeas for any signs of pests. Use natural insect repellents like lavender sachets nearby to deter pests.
- Refresh with Floral Dye: If your dried hydrangeas lose their colour, you can refresh them with floral dye. Use a floral dye spray that matches the original colour of the hydrangeas. Follow the instructions on the dye product, which usually involves light and even spray.
Conclusion About How To Dry Hydrangea Blooms
Whether you choose to hang them upside down, use the water-drying method, or incorporate them into various crafts and decorations, dried hydrangeas bring a touch of charm to any setting.
Embrace the drying process and explore the many ways to preserve hydrangeas, ensuring their beauty lasts for seasons to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions About How To Dry Out Hydrangeas
How Long Do Dried Hydrangeas Last?
Dried hydrangeas can last for several months to a few years if they are properly cared for. Keeping them out of direct sunlight, away from moisture, and handling them gently will help extend their lifespan.
How Do I Store Dried Hydrangeas When Not In Use?
Store dried hydrangeas in a dry, cool, and dark place. Place them in a sturdy box with tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent crushing. Ensure they are protected from humidity and pests.
Can Dried Hydrangeas Be Used In Outdoor Decorations?
While dried hydrangeas can be used in outdoor decorations, they must be sheltered from direct sunlight, rain, and high humidity to prevent fading and damage. Covered outdoor areas like porches or patios can work well.
Is It Necessary To Remove The Leaves Before Drying Hydrangeas?
Yes, it is recommended to remove the leaves before drying hydrangeas. Leaves can retain moisture and cause mould to develop during the drying process. Stripping the leaves helps the flowers dry more effectively.
