Do Hydrangeas Make Good Cut Flowers? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, hydrangeas make excellent cut flowers due to their stunning and voluminous blooms and ability to last several days when properly cared for. They add instant elegance to any space and are perfect for centerpieces, bouquets, and other floral arrangements.

Cut hydrangeas early in the morning to maximize their vase life, choosing stems with fairly mature blooms. Ensure you cut at an angle and place them immediately in a bucket of water. It’s crucial to keep them well-hydrated, as they are water-loving plants. To prevent wilting, dissolve a floral preservative in the vase water and mist the flowers daily. Hydrangeas can last up to two weeks as cut flowers with proper care.

Cutting Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for cut flowers, as they have large, showy blooms in various colors. However, cutting hydrangeas can be tricky and requires knowledge and care to ensure the blooms last as long as possible. In this section, we’ll cover when to cut hydrangeas, how to cut them, and how to prepare them for display.

When to Cut Hydrangeas

The best time to cut hydrangeas for use as cut flowers is on an early morning, after dew has dried, but before the weather gets too hot. This is when the blooms are most hydrated and will last the longest. It’s also important to choose blooms that are fully open but have yet to start to wilt.

How to Cut Hydrangeas

When cutting hydrangeas, using sharp, clean shears or scissors is important. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle and just above a set of leaves. By doing so, the plant will produce more new growth and more blooms. If you’re cutting hydrangeas to use in a floral arrangement, remove any leaves below the vase’s water line, as these can cause the water to become cloudy and promote bacterial growth.

Preparing Hydrangeas for Display

After cutting your hydrangeas, preparing them properly is important to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips:

●  Recut the stem at a sharp angle and split the stem up the middle about one to two inches to allow maximum hydration.

●  Place the cut stems in a vase of room temperature water.

●  If the blooms start to wilt, you can revive them by submerging the entire flower head in a bucket of cool water for 30 minutes.

●  The vase’s water should be changed every two to three days, and you should recut the stems each time to ensure they can continue absorbing water.

Following these tips, you can enjoy your hydrangeas as cut flowers for up to two weeks.

Caring for Cut Hydrangeas

Watering Cut Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas require a lot of water to stay fresh, especially when cut. To keep your cut hydrangeas looking their best, ensure they are placed in a vase filled with clean, fresh water. Change the water every 2-3 days to prevent bacteria from growing and clogging the stems. When changing the water, trim the ends of the stems at a 45-degree angle to ensure they can continue absorbing water.

Feeding Cut Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas benefit from a little extra nutrition when they are cut. A floral preservative can be added to the water to help the flowers last longer. Alternatively, make your preservative by mixing one teaspoon of sugar and bleach into a quart of water. The sugar provides nutrients, while the bleach helps prevent bacteria from growing.

Maintaining Cut Hydrangeas

To keep your cut hydrangeas looking their best, there are a few things you can do to maintain them. First, keep them in a cool, shady spot away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Second, remove any leaves below the water line to prevent them from rotting and contaminating the water. Finally, mist the blooms with water once a day to keep them looking fresh and hydrated.