How do I handle Hydrangea? How do I make Hydrangea last longer?

Hydrangea are notoriously fussy, but we’re here to keep you in the know! 

• Hydrangea are very thirsty stems and require some more specialized care
  • All leaves except for leaves just below the blooms should be removed from the stems. This helps more water flow to the flowers. 
  • Stems should be cut at a 45 degree angle with sharp shears or a straight edge knife. If possible, cut them under water to reduce the chance of the stems sealing. Remember, the more surface area that’s exposed when you cut, the more water that the stem can absorb. 
  • Keep stems in a cool place away from direct sunlight
  • For maximum vase life, re-cut stems every 2 days

Here’s an old florist trick for you too: Alum is a pickling spice that can be found at most grocery stores. It helps to draw water into the cells of produce (like flowers). If you dip the ends of your hydrangea stems in alum right after cutting but before placing them in water, it can help to draw water into the stems. 

I know that wilting hydrangea can send off alarm bells, but we do have ways to help! If you wake up one morning to droopy hydrangea, here’s what to do. 

• Change the water and wash out the vase
• Take the entire hydrangea stem (blooms and all) and soak them in room temperature or cool water for at least an hour. Hydrangea can absorb water through their blooms and leaves as well as their stems. 
• After 60+ minutes, pull the hydrangea out of their bath and blot the blooms dry with paper towel. 
• Re-cut the stems and place them back into water. 

With any luck, they should perk back up over the next few hours.