Hello Lovelies, Our blue hydrangeas flourish year after year in the front of our home. Although they are so beautiful as they wind down in the fall, I am sad because I won’t see them again until next summer. I thought it would be smart to prolong their beauty by drying the blooms so I can enjoy their classic beauty all year round. There is more than one way to the art of drying hydrangeas, but vase-drying is easier and cheaper and will give you more vibrant colors. Here are the four steps for going the easy route for giving the blossoms a vintage look.”
Step 1 — Time It Right
The secret to successfully drying hydrangea blooms is all about timing! Avoid the temptation of snipping those lovely blossoms at their peak display. Let them start drying on the plant. After a few weeks of enjoyment from the garden, the petals feel papery and change colors. Purples, burgundy, splashes of peaches and pinks, and even aqua tones sparkle in the sun, depending on where you live and soil pH. Once you see those color shifts and the petals losing their suppleness, it’s time to grab those pruners and start snipping!
Step 2 — Cutting for Success
Take advantage of the chance to preserve your beautiful blooms! In the morning, after the dew has dried from the petals, cut the stems at an angle with sharp scissors. Stems 12 to 18 inches work the best. Place the cuttings into a bucket once you have stripped the leaves. Choose carefully, as drying will highlight imperfections. You’ll be happiest when selecting the best flowers, leaving the rest to brighten up your fall days. This method will help you preserve the beauty of your flowers for long-lasting enjoyment.
Step 3 — Quench Their Thirst
Believe it or not, drying hydrangeas in vases of water can actually help keep their color popping! Just slip those cuttings in clear vases or containers, fill them with water (make sure a few inches of the stems are in there), and don’t crowd them. Let each bloom get air and space. Mix up the stem lengths for an artistic, relaxed look.
Step 4 — Ensure Proper Drying Time
Spread containers around your place so you can enjoy the drying process. Place them away from direct sunlight. Let the water naturally evaporate from the containers as the flowers dry. It could be two or three weeks before they dry out. Add more if the water evaporates before the flowers are thoroughly dried. You’ll know the blossoms are good to go when the stem snaps easily. Add dried hydrangeas to your next project, like dried wreaths, or enjoy them alone.
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