Florist’s Guide to Caring for Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are lush, voluminous, and beloved for their full, cloud-like blooms. However, they can be quite sensitive to water loss and need a little extra care to stay looking their best. Here's how florists can handle hydrangeas with confidence and care.

1. Harvesting or Buying Tips

• Choose blooms that are fully open—hydrangeas don’t continue to open once cut.

• Avoid stems that feel soft or wilting.

• Look for firm, vibrant heads with no browning or curling edges.

2. Conditioning Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers that absorb water through both their stems and petals.

Steps for proper hydration:

• Re-cut the stems at a sharp angle under water to prevent air bubbles.

• Immediately submerge the entire bloom and stem in a sink or bucket of cool water for 30 minutes to an hour. This rehydrates both petals and stems.

• After soaking, place in fresh water with floral preservative.

3. Special Stem Treatment

Hydrangeas often suffer from blocked stems. Use one of the following methods to help:

• Boiling water dip:
  Dip the bottom 1–2 inches of the stem in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to cool water. This removes sap or air bubbles that can prevent water uptake.

• Stem slitting:
  Make a vertical slit up the bottom inch of the stem to increase surface area for water absorption.

• Alum powder:
  After trimming the stem, dip the end into alum powder (a spice found in most grocery stores) to help keep water flowing up the stem.

4. Vase Care

• Use cool, clean water and replace it daily.

• Keep hydrangeas in a cool spot, away from sunlight, heat, or fruit.

• Remove any leaves that fall below the water line to reduce bacterial growth.

5. Reviving Wilted Hydrangeas

Even well-cared-for hydrangeas can wilt. Here’s how to bring them back:

• Re-cut stems and submerge the entire flower head and stem in a sink or bathtub of cool water for a few hours.

• Once revived, recondition as normal.

6. Hydrangeas in Floral Arrangements

• Hydration is key: Soak and condition all stems before arranging.

• Floral foam use: If arranging in floral foam, fully soak the foam and mist the blooms often. Hydrangeas don’t last as long in foam as in water, so time your arrangements carefully.

• Support: Their stems are thick but can be fragile—use stem support if needed for larger heads.

7. Tips for Events

• For weddings or installations, hydrate hydrangeas at least 24 hours before use.

• Store in a cool room, mist the blooms regularly, and transport them in water if possible.

• Have a spray bottle of clean water handy for touch-ups on-site.

Hydrangeas are worth the extra effort for the volume and beauty they bring. With the right prep and care, they can last beautifully in bouquets, centerpieces, and installations.