Hydrangea flowers, with their lush and vibrant blooms, add a touch of elegance and charm to gardens and floral arrangements. While these blossoms are a delight when in full bloom, their beauty doesn’t have to be fleeting. Drying hydrangea flowers is a popular and practical way to extend their lifespan, allowing you to enjoy their captivating colors and shapes well beyond the blooming season.
Understanding the Best Time to Harvest Hydrangea Flowers
To achieve the best results when drying hydrangea flowers, timing is crucial. The optimal time to harvest hydrangea blossoms for drying is when they are at their peak, just before they begin to fade naturally on the plant. Select blooms that have fully opened and exhibit vibrant colors. Avoid harvesting flowers that are still in the early stages of development, as they may not hold up well during the drying process.
Choosing the Right Hydrangea Varieties for Drying
While most hydrangea varieties can be dried successfully, some types are particularly well-suited for this purpose. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata), such as the popular ‘Limelight’ and ‘PeeGee,’ tend to hold their shape and color exceptionally well when dried. Additionally, mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) with their large, round blooms can be successfully dried, though the results may vary depending on specific cultivars.
Select hydrangea varieties with sturdy stems and dense blooms for optimal drying results. Experimenting with different varieties allows you to discover which ones respond best to the drying methods you choose.
Air Drying Hydrangea Flowers
Air drying is one of the simplest and most popular methods for preserving hydrangea flowers. Follow these steps for successful air drying:
Harvesting Blooms: Cut hydrangea stems with sharp, clean shears. Choose stems with blooms that have just started to change color but are still firm and free from blemishes.
Remove Excess Foliage: Strip the lower leaves from the stems, leaving only a few leaves near the top. This directs the plant’s energy toward preserving the flowers rather than sustaining the foliage.
Bundling Stems: Gather 5-7 stems into a small bundle, securing them together with a rubber band or twine. Ensure that the blooms do not touch, as this can impede the drying process.
Hanging Upside Down: Hang the bundled hydrangea stems upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place. A dark area helps preserve the color of the blooms. Allow the flowers to air dry for 2-4 weeks.
Check for Dryness: After the drying period, check the hydrangea flowers for dryness. They should feel papery and retain their color. If the stems are not fully dry, give them more time.
Using Desiccants for Drying Hydrangea Flowers
Desiccants are drying agents that absorb moisture from flowers, preserving their form and color. Silica gel is a commonly used desiccant for drying hydrangea flowers. Follow these steps for using desiccants:
Prepare Blooms: Harvest hydrangea blooms as described earlier, removing excess foliage and grouping stems into small bundles.
Select a Container: Choose a plastic or glass container with a lid. The container should be deep enough to accommodate the hydrangea blooms without them touching the sides.
Add Desiccant: Pour a layer of silica gel or another desiccant into the container, ensuring it covers the bottom. Place the bundled hydrangea stems on top of the desiccant.
Cover with Desiccant: Gently pour more desiccant over the hydrangea blooms, ensuring they are completely covered. Seal the container with the lid.
Wait for Drying: Leave the hydrangea blooms in the desiccant for 1-2 weeks. Check for dryness by carefully uncovering a bloom and assessing its texture.
Remove Excess Desiccant: Once the blooms are dry, gently shake off any excess desiccant. Use a soft brush to remove any remaining particles.
Microwave Drying for Quick Results
If you’re looking for a faster drying method, the microwave can be an effective option. Keep in mind that this method may result in more brittle flowers compared to air drying or desiccant methods. Follow these steps for microwave drying:
Prepare Blooms: Harvest hydrangea blooms, removing excess foliage and grouping stems into small bundles.
Place in Microwave: Lay a microwave-safe plate with a layer of paper towels on it. Place the hydrangea bundles on the paper towels, making sure they do not touch.
Microwave in Intervals: Microwave the hydrangea bundles on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Check the flowers for dryness. If they are not fully dry, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.
Cooling Period: Allow the dried hydrangea blooms to cool completely before handling. Microwaved flowers can become brittle, so handle them gently.
Preserving Color with Glycerin
Glycerin is a substance that can be used to preserve both the form and color of hydrangea flowers. This method works best with panicle hydrangeas. Follow these steps for preserving hydrangea blooms with glycerin:
Prepare Blooms: Harvest panicle hydrangea blooms, removing excess foliage and grouping stems into small bundles.
Cut Stems at an Angle: Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to expose more surface area for glycerin absorption.
Mix Glycerin Solution: In a container, mix one part glycerin with two parts water. The amount will depend on the number of hydrangea stems you have.
Submerge Stems: Place the cut hydrangea stems in the glycerin solution. Ensure that the solution covers at least the bottom inch of the stems.
Wait for Absorption: Allow the hydrangea stems to sit in the glycerin solution for 1-2 weeks. The stems will absorb the glycerin, preserving the blooms.
Remove and Dry: Take the hydrangea stems out of the glycerin solution and allow them to air dry. The glycerin helps maintain the color and structure of the flowers.
Displaying and Enjoying Dried Hydrangea Flowers
Once your hydrangea flowers are successfully dried, the final step is to display and enjoy them. Here are some creative ways to showcase your preserved hydrangea blooms:
Vases and Arrangements: Arrange your dried hydrangea blooms in vases or create elegant dried flower arrangements. Combine them with other dried flowers or decorative elements for added appeal.
Wreaths and Garlands: Incorporate dried hydrangea flowers into wreaths or garlands for a charming and long-lasting decoration. Their muted colors and delicate appearance make them ideal for crafting.
Potpourri: Crush the dried hydrangea petals and use them in potpourri blends. Add essential oils or other dried botanicals for a fragrant and decorative potpourri.
Decorative Bowls: Place dried hydrangea blooms in decorative bowls or glass containers as a centerpiece for tables or mantels. Mix different varieties for a visually appealing display.
Greeting Cards and Crafts: Press dried hydrangea flowers between sheets of paper to preserve them for use in crafting. Create personalized greeting cards, bookmarks, or framed botanical art.
Conclusion
Drying hydrangea flowers is a delightful and rewarding process that allows you to capture the timeless beauty of these exquisite blooms. Whether you choose air drying, desiccants, microwave drying, glycerin preservation, or a combination of methods, the key is to experiment and find the technique that best suits your preferences and the specific hydrangea varieties you have.
With the right timing, careful preparation, and a touch of creativity, you can enjoy the enchanting allure of dried hydrangea flowers throughout the seasons. Whether adorning your home with elegant arrangements or creating cherished keepsakes, the preserved beauty of hydrangea blooms will continue to captivate and inspire.
