Hydrangeas are prized ornamental flowers, celebrated for their large, striking blooms that provide vibrant color throughout the summer and fall. Several reliable preservation methods exist to extend the pleasure of these flowers beyond their growing season. Preserving the blooms allows their distinct shape and color to be enjoyed long after the plant has gone dormant, yielding results from a crisp, dried texture to a soft and flexible feel.
Essential Pre-Harvesting Steps
Successful preservation begins with proper selection and cutting in the garden, not the drying process itself. The most important step is ensuring the flower has reached maturity, which is when the petals feel papery instead of moist or spongy. Cutting blooms too early, while they are still full of water, will likely cause them to shrivel or wilt during drying.
The ideal time to harvest is typically mid-to-late summer or early fall, when the bloom’s color deepens, signaling a natural reduction in moisture. Cut the stems in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is hottest, using sharp shears for a clean, angled cut. Immediately strip all leaves from the stem, as foliage holds excess moisture that can lead to mold and hinder the drying process.
Simple Drying Methods (Air and Water)
The most accessible preservation techniques rely on natural evaporation, yielding somewhat brittle results. The air drying method involves bundling three to five stems together and securing them with twine. These bundles must be hung upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space for two to three weeks. Hanging the flowers prevents the heavy heads from drooping as they lose moisture, helping them retain their shape.
A gentler alternative is the water method, often called vase drying. Place the prepared stems into a vase containing only two to three inches of water, ensuring the blooms are not overcrowded for adequate air circulation. The stems slowly draw up the remaining water, allowing the flower head to gradually desiccate over two to three weeks. Both simple methods often result in the original vibrant color fading to a muted, antique tone, and the final texture will be crisp and fragile.
Advanced Preservation Using Desiccants
Using a chemical desiccant is the preferred method for retaining more of the bloom’s original shape and color. Silica gel, a granular substance resembling coarse sand, is a highly effective drying agent because it rapidly absorbs moisture from the petals. This fast dehydration minimizes the cell collapse that causes color loss and shriveling. The quick drying time helps to lock in the aesthetic qualities of the fresh bloom.
To begin, pour a layer of silica gel into an airtight container, then carefully place the prepared hydrangea bloom on top. Slowly sprinkle the remaining gel over the flower, working it between the individual florets until the entire head is completely buried. This total encasement ensures rapid and uniform moisture removal. The container should be sealed and left undisturbed for three to seven days, after which the dried flower must be carefully removed and the residual silica gel gently brushed away.
Glycerin Immersion for Flexible Blooms
Preservation using glycerin focuses on texture rather than rapid desiccation, yielding a final product that remains soft and flexible. Glycerin, a colorless liquid, acts as a humectant, replacing the water within the plant’s cellular structure. This substitution prevents the tissue from becoming brittle upon drying.
The process involves creating a solution of one part glycerin mixed with two parts warm water for thorough blending. Before placing the stems in the solution, prepare them by lightly smashing or snipping the bottom inch to increase the surface area for absorption. The stems should be placed upright and left to absorb the mixture over several weeks. As the glycerin is drawn up, the bloom retains its pliability, though it may take on a darker, often brownish or golden hue.