Hydrangeas are prized garden blooms, bringing voluminous color and structure to summer landscapes. Drying these magnificent flowers offers a simple way to preserve their form and extend their decorative life far beyond the growing season. This process allows decorators to maintain a sense of summer beauty indoors throughout the colder months.
Selecting and Harvesting Mature Blooms
Proper harvest timing is crucial for successful drying, occurring when the flower heads reach the “curing” phase. This is typically in late summer or early autumn, after the original color has begun to deepen or fade slightly and the petals feel stiff and papery. Cutting too early, when the bloom is soft and full of moisture, will result in wilting and browning instead of correct dehydration.
Test for readiness using the “paper bag test”: place a bloom in a sealed paper bag for 24 hours. If condensation appears, the flower needs more time on the bush. Once ready, cut the stems long (12 to 18 inches) using sharp pruners. Immediately strip all leaves from the stem, as foliage holds moisture that encourages decay during drying.
The Water Method for Slow Dehydration
The “water method,” or vase method, is the most reliable technique for slowly dehydrating blooms while maintaining their natural, full shape. This technique uses the stem’s natural ability to draw up water, allowing for controlled, gradual moisture reduction. Place the prepared stems into a clean vase containing only one to two inches of fresh water.
The stem slowly absorbs this water over several days as the flower’s internal moisture transpires. As the water evaporates, the flower head gradually loses moisture without collapsing or browning prematurely. This slow dehydration fixes the cellular structure of the petals, preserving their form with minimal shrinkage.
Place the vase in a cool, dry location shielded from direct sunlight, such as a basement or dim corner of a room. Warm temperatures or sun exposure cause rapid fading or shriveled petals. The process is complete when the stems feel rigid and the flower heads are firm to the touch, typically taking one to three weeks depending on humidity.
Using Desiccants for Rapid Drying
For maximum color retention, a chemical drying agent, or desiccant, provides a much faster alternative to slow air-drying. Silica gel is the most common desiccant, as its fine granular structure absorbs moisture quickly without damaging delicate petals. This method is useful for preserving vibrant colors like blues, pinks, or purples that might fade during slower dehydration.
To use, place a base layer of silica gel in an airtight container large enough to hold the bloom without crushing it. Gently place the hydrangea head on this layer, then carefully pour in more silica gel until the flower is completely buried and supported. The sealed container is left undisturbed for three to seven days, depending on the bloom’s density.
Moisture is rapidly drawn out and absorbed by the gel, preserving the flower’s physical structure and pigment molecules before they can break down. Once dry, remove the bloom gently by tilting the container and brushing away the crystals with a small, soft brush to prevent shattering. Remaining silica gel crystals can be reused indefinitely after being dried in an oven.
Long-Term Display and Preservation
Fully dried hydrangeas are structurally fragile and require steps to ensure longevity. The preserved petals are prone to shattering if handled roughly or exposed to circulating air. Applying a light mist of floral sealant spray or unscented hairspray provides a thin protective coating, stabilizing the cellular structure and minimizing breakage.
The greatest factor affecting the long-term appearance is exposure to ultraviolet light. Direct sunlight causes preserved colors to bleach and fade significantly. Displaying the blooms in a shaded corner, away from windows or strong artificial light sources, is the best way to maintain their initial hue.
If the dried flowers are not immediately arranged, they should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Placing them gently inside an open box or container, rather than sealing them in plastic, allows for necessary air circulation while protecting them from dust accumulation.