If you grow hydrangeas and want to preserve their beauty long after they bloom, you'll be happy to hear how easy it is to dry your hydrangea flowers to create autumnal arrangements. In this article you will learn what methods you can use to dry panicle hydrangeas and what decorations you can create with them!
Typically, the inflorescences of panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) bloom in creamy white, and as they begin to fade, they turn a very attractive shade of pink or red. The drying process is simple, takes about two weeks and requires almost no effort. After the process, hydrangea flowers can be easily combined with other dried flowers -in wreathsor as individual, eye-catching elements. Read on to find out how to dry panicle hydrangeas and get inspired by our ideas for different decorations with them.
Drying panicle hydrangeas – When is the best time to cut the flowers?
How can you dry hydrangeas without losing color? This is a very important question, the answer to which lies in cutting the flowers at the right time. If you cut the stems too early in the flowering season,They will contain too much moisture and will not dry quickly enough to maintain their beauty. However, if you cut them too late, they will turn brown. So, here are some guidelines that will help you know the right time to prune hydrangeas.
The ideal time to cut off hydrangea flowers for drying is towards the end of the growing season (between August and September). In general, August is the best time, but depending on the weather, the date can be postponed to September. The petals can also serve as a guide: When the larger flowers change color and the smaller ones just open, it's time to take the scissors. If you can't see the small flowers on your plant, you can rely on the color change alone as a guide.
When pruning panicle hydrangeas, you should pay attention to the following:
- Young petals are relatively soft, while older petals are harder and ideal for drying. We therefore recommend that you stick to them. Only cut until the stem is still green, with the optimal length being around 20cm.
- Choose a dry day for cutting. The flowers should be dry and not covered in dew.
Cutting hydrangeas: What mistakes should you avoid?Find out here!
What drying methods can you use?
There are several proven methods for drying panicle hydrangeas. We will now consider each of these methods individually!
Method 1: Hang the flowers overhead
This method is perfect for flowers that have already dried slightly on the bush.
Using clean, sharp scissors, cut the hydrangeas so that the stem is about 8 inches long. Remove the leaves from the stems and tie several stems together. Then hang the hydrangeas upside down on a clothesline or stretch a string if you don't have one. It is important that you hang the flowers in a dry, shady location as direct sunlight can cause the flowers to fade and moisture will increase drying time. Once you notice the flowers crackling, the drying process, which takes about seven days, is complete. You can now take out the dried hydrangeas and use them as decorations.
What is the best location for hydrangeas in the garden, depending on the variety?You can find out here!
Method 2: Allow panicle hydrangeas to dry in a vase
Drying panicle hydrangeas – This method is also very easy to use. After cutting the flowers from the bush (we repeat it again because it is important - about 20 cm stem length), place them in a vase with a little water (2-3 cm maximum). Then place the vase in a dark and well-ventilated place. The water will slowly evaporate and cause the panicle hydrangeas to dry. When the flowers begin to look slightly wrinkled, the process is complete. It usually lasts between one and two weeks.
Also read:Overwintering hydrangeas in the bed: What care measures should you take?!
Method 3: Preserving hydrangeas with glycerin
To preserve the color of panicle hydrangeas, it is advisable to treat them with glycerin, which you can find in pharmacies (for environmental reasons, make sure it comes from vegetable sources). Make a solution of two parts water and one part glycerin (e.g. 200 ml water, 100 ml glycerin) and place the plants in it. The stems of the hydrangeas will absorb the glycerin and transport it to the flowers, where it will remain stored in the cells. This allows the flowers to retain their color and elasticity for the next two years.
Method 4: Dry panicle hydrangeas with cat litter & washing powder
Another way to dry individual panicle hydrangea flowers is to use washing powder or cat litter. Make sure that the litter is very fine and does not clump together. Proceed as follows:
- Cover an airtight container by about 1 inch with laundry detergent or cat litter.
- Place a flower with the flower ball facing down and fill the container with one of the two products. They should cover the entire flower.
- Within five days the hydrangea flower will be dry.
Use silica gel as an alternative
Drying panicle hydrangeas - As an alternative to washing powder and cat litter, you can use silica gel, which has the property of absorbing moisture very quickly. Silica gel is available at garden centers or pharmacies. Lightly cover the bottom of an airtight container, place a flower upside down, and fill with more silica gel. Once the flower is completely covered, close the container and in three to five days you will have dry hydrangea flowers.
- Tipp: To extend the life of dry hydrangea flowers, spray them with hairspray or hairspray.
Decoration ideas with dry hydrangeas
Using dried hydrangeas is an inexpensive, easy and very spectacular way to celebrate fall. They look magnificent both alone and in combination with other dried flowers, ornamental grasses, etc. However, we recommend that you pay attention to a contrast in the colors of the dry plants you choose when combining them. Here are some easy decorating suggestions!
Autumn decoration with dry hydrangea and artificial pumpkins: As you can see from the photo, all you need for this idea is a tall vase (or other large glass vessel). In this specific case, small artificial pumpkins are used to create the beautiful contrast between the two components of the arrangement. Alternatively, you can also use pine cones. Fill 1/3 of a glass container with the dried hydrangeas and place 1/2 of the artificial pumpkins on top. Repeat the pattern and finish with the dried flowers.
Create a basket with dry hydrangeas: Another great way to use the large amount of dried hydrangea flowers is to collect them in a beautiful basket.
To make your arrangement even more beautiful, you can embellish some of the flowers with red paint to make them look like red fruits.
Another useful tip is to use tape to reinforce the basket and create a good grip for the dried hydrangeas inside.
How can you make a hydrangea wreath? A step-by-step guidecan be found here!
