How to Dry Hydrangeas the Easy Way

ByStefana Silber Design Tips

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Hydrangeas are known for their voluminous blooms, making them a favorite for both gardeners and home decor enthusiasts alike. Learning how to dry hydrangeas allows you to preserve their beauty and enjoy them indoors year-round. In this post, I’m sharing the best time to cut hydrangeas for drying, how to preserve their color, and tips to make your dried hydrangeas last.

Stefana Silber in her white hydrangea garden

When to Cut Your Hydrangeas

Timing is everything! The best time to cut hydrangeas for drying is late summer to early fall. Look for blooms that are mostly mature but not fully dried out on the plant. The petals should feel papery to the touch and have a slightly faded color.

white hydrangea bloom
Too Early!
Stefana Silber demonstrating when to cut hydrangeas
Just Right!

I planted Incrediball Hydrangeas and will cut them when they have a bright white color to use for a fresh arrangement.

fresh cut hydrangea bouquet in a basket

However, I know they won’t be good for drying at this point. A sign they may not be ready to be dried is the amount of moisture in the stem. If I cut one and that has a lot of fluid in it, that tells me it isn’t quite ready. Once they start to change color and feel a little crunchy, I’ll start cutting.

READ MY EASY DIY DRIED HYDRANGEA WREATH POST!

How to Dry Hydrangeas

I love the classic look of all-white hydrangeas against the backdrop of our brick home. One of my favorite things is pulling up to the house and seeing those big, full blooms. After the peak, they start to turn a little green again, and that is my signal to start checking for readiness.

white hydrangeas in front of a brick home
white hydrangeas that have started to dry and are ready to be cut

The Easiest Way

  1. Cut the Stems: Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the stems at an angle, about 12-18 inches long. Remove leaves from the stems because they end up shriveled and crumble easily if left intact.
  2. Style in a Vase: Put them where you want them right away. Once they’ve been cut and started to dry out, all those little petals tend to get stuck together making it difficult to separate the stems.
  3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the vase in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the colors to fade quickly.
newly cut hydrangeas with a green color styled in a wicker urn
This is how my hydrangea flowers look right after I cut them.
preserved hydrangeas that were cut and arranged a year ago
Check out how they look after a year!

The Water Method

One of the most interesting aspects of hydrangeas is their stunning variety of colors. To preserve these colors when drying, use the water method. After you cut the stems and remove the leaves, place them in a vase with about an inch of water. Allow the water to evaporate naturally over time. This gradual drying process helps maintain the vibrancy of the flowers but can take 2-3 weeks.

I skip this step because I like how my white hydrangeas turn golden brown when they dry. They create the perfect color palette for fall!

dried hydrangea flowers that have turned golden brown and are used to decorate a dining room for fall

DINING ROOM SOURCES

Making Dried Hydrangeas Last

Hairspray can be a valuable tool in preserving the shape and color of your dried hydrangeas. Aerosol spray tends to work best and here’s how and when to use it:

  1. Drying First: Allow the hydrangeas to dry completely using the abovementioned water method. This process can take a few weeks.
  2. Applying Hairspray: Once the hydrangeas are fully dried, take them outside or to a well-ventilated area. Hold the hairspray about 12 inches away from the flowers and give them a light, even coating. This helps to seal the petals and reduce shedding.
  3. Repeat as Necessary: You can apply a second coat if needed, but make sure to let the first coat dry completely before reapplying.
Stefana Silber using aerosol hairspray to preserve dried hydrangeas

Caring for Dried Flowers

Dried hydrangeas can last for many years with the proper care. Here are some tips to ensure your dried hydrangeas remain beautiful:

  1. Handle with Care: Dried hydrangeas are delicate. Handle them gently to avoid crushing the petals. Hairspray can help, but if you aren’t careful when moving them around you’ll end up with a mess.
  2. Dusting: Use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to remove dust from the flowers gently. Don’t get too close or you’ll end up damaging your beautiful display!
  3. Avoid Humidity: Keep your dried hydrangeas in a dry environment. High humidity can cause them to lose their shape.
  4. Storage: If you need to store your dried hydrangeas, wrap them in tissue paper and place them in a sturdy box to protect them from being crushed. Luckily, I have an endless supply of blooms so I can easily replace them year after year.
classic white kitchen island decorated with a dried hydrangea floral arrangement
close up of dried hydrangeas in a wicker urn

Conclusion

Drying hydrangeas is simple and allows you to enjoy their beauty all year long. By cutting them at the right time, preserving their color carefully, and handling them with care, you can create statement-making arrangements for any space. Try these tips on how to dry hydrangeas to enjoy beautiful blooms in your home!

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