Has anyone tried drying hydrangeas? I’ve never done it, but heard that they dry beautifully and last a long time. I’ve read a few techniques - upside down, or vertical with water in the vase (the water slowly evaporates so they dry slowly, retaining better color). I know that it needs to be done later in the season when the flower heads have less moisture. The mottled petals still look pretty, even if they are no longer brightly colored.
LOL–I bought some fake ones–they’re still going strong!
It’s so easy even I can do it! Just cut them, put them in a jar with no water and wait!
My neighbor just gave me two large bags of beautiful hydrangeas today. She told me I could dry them, but didn’t think I would be successful. They are presently in four different fun arrangements. Now I feel more hopeful that they will dry without wilting.
Yep, cut them, put them in a container that gives them lots of room to breathe and dry out and wait - ALSO, I recommend taking all the leaves off when you pick them. In my experience the leaves just get dry and brittle if you leave them on - and make a mess! I usually dry a decorative pitcher full of them each year. The leaves sometimes turn color a bit
Yep, just cut them, take off the leaves and stick 'em in a vase. I have some that are now about five years old. I think it is time to change them out as I am sure they are very dusty.
Definitely remove the leaves. I’ve tried both methods, putting the stems in an inch of water and leaving it to evaporate, and putting the stems in an empty vase. Both work. Sometimes the petals of one or two stems will curl up, but I haven’t figured out why.
The dried flower-heads are a nice component for holiday wreaths. I’ve made wreaths using evergreen magnolia leaves with dried hydrangeas, plus mini-lights and sheer ribbon. Very pretty, but wiring all the magnolia leaves to the wreath form is a laborious process and not easy on the hands!