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We are well into hydrangea season and I'm so sad we moved and left one of my favorites behind. Luckily, my mom and aunt have the most amazing hydrangea bushes. I try to snag some of my own whenever I'm at their house for bouquets. It seems as though there are lots of complaints regarding keeping cut hydrangeas from wilting. I thought I'd share some of my favorite tips to keeping cut hydrangeas looking fresh.
I've been able to keep the same stems looking great for close to two weeks with just a little bit of extra love each day.
Tips for Keeping Cut Hydrangeas Looking Fresh
I use this method for any flower to keep them fresh and perky longer. When cutting flowers, try to cut them in the morning before the temperatures get too hot. I make sure to get them to water as soon as possible.
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Make sure to cut all stems at a 45 degree angle above the little nubs. Then make sure no leaves are touching the water in the vase. This will create bacteria growth. You'll also want to change their water daily and snip the ends off the stems to make sure they're getting the water they need. That is my main go to tip for keeping my flower bouquets fresh.
Some flowers take a few extra steps to keep them looking fresh, like hydrangeas and peonies.
Tip One - Ice Bath for Cut Hydrangeas
When you cut your hydrangeas, there are a few different methods that I've found to work really well. Fill a tub with ice water and let the hydrangea stems soak for a bit before arranging them. This helps cool them down and helps with the shock to their system!
Tip Two - Boiling Water
Another method is to dip hydrangea stems into boiling water after clipping them. This helps to prevent sap from blocking the stems so they get the right amount of water. I haven't had success with this method, but it might work on the variety of hydrangea you're working with!
I purchased these hydrangeas from Trader Joes and have been able to keep them going strong for 2 weeks now!
Tip Three - Crush Stems
Try crushing the ends of the stem (where you cut them) to allow them to receive more water. Hydrangea stems are woody, so this will allow them to drink more water.
@thehouseofhoodblog Sharing my tried and true tips and tricks for keeping your cut hydrangeas fresh for up to 3 weeks! #hydrangea #flowertips #flowerbouqet #cutflowers
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Tip Four - Mist
Hydrangeas take in most of their moisture through their petals. Mist the petals with water daily. I like this continuous flow mister.
The bouquet in the above photo in the front has started to wilt, so I am going to revive them!
Tip Five - Add Sugar
When you have your stems prepared (stems and bottom leaves clipped), put them in a water vase with a little sugar added. Make sure this is done with room temperature water.
Tip Six - Alum Powder
I once had the worst canker sore EVER right before our wedding, and I purchased alum powder which took it away quickly! I've kept it on hand (it's probably time to replace it!) and it works well for cut hydrangeas.
Dip the end of the stem into the powder (about 1/2 an inch) then place in your vase. This helps to keep the hydrangea stem open so it takes in the water it needs.
Tip Seven - Soak Petals
If you have wilting petals, try soaking the flower portion in a bowl with water. This will usually perk them right up!
Wilting Flowers
If you have been changing the water daily, re-snipping the ends, and keeping the leaves out of the water and you're still getting wilted flowers try placing the stems in hot water to shock them (if that doesn't work try ice water).
This hydrangea plant is my favorite for cut stems. Look for the thick/waxy leaves!
Hydrangeas also look great dried! Here is a tutorial I found for drying your hydrangea stems.
Other Posts You Might Like
The Best Flowers for Bouquets // Peony Tips // Flower Fields In Oregon
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Ok, I think that sums up our favorite tips for keeping cut hydrangeas looking fresh! Do you have any favorite tips? Let me know if you used these and if they worked for you! If you are looking for our favorite flower fields in the Portland area, make sure to click here. I think we need a hydrangea field next! Thanks as always for reading!
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