How to dry hydrangeas

When hydrangea dry, they mellow and age and make any space look thought about.

On the list of things to do now it’s September, along with blackberry picking and juicing a shed load of apples, is drying a few hydrangea flowers.

I’ve had a massive change of heart about hydrangeas in the last couple of years. I used to not like their roundness or brightness.  For a florist, I’m pretty shy when it comes to colour. I like things soft and muted.

But there are some really pretty varieties out there now, and thankfully a specially dedicated British Homes & Gardens Pintrest Board. 

There are lots of different ways to dry hydrangea, but here’s a really simple method:

• Pick your flowers when they are dry, you don’t want wet petals
• Cut your stem (about 30cm down)
• Strip leaves
• Put stem into a large jar or vase of water
• Place away from direct sunlight in a cool dry area (where you can see and enjoy them)
• Wait for the water to evaporate from the jar or vase

That’s it! Once the water is gone from the vase (about 10 days) your flowers should be dry and ready for action, or just leave them as they are and carry on enjoying them. 

Now is also the time of year to take hydrangea cuttings which is a great way to extend your garden for little cost. Here’s how. 

Let me know how you get on. I’m on Instagram if you want to share your photos with me.