Hydrangea – Facts & Care Tips
The hydrangea, with its large globe-shaped flower clusters, is one of our most magnificent cut flowers. It is equally beautiful on its own in a tall vase as it is in a bouquet with other flowers.
Hydrangeas are available in flower shops from April to October. In spring, you can find them in bright colors such as pink, blue, and white. They are very popular as gifts for Mother's Day and for a new graduate.
In the fall, hydrangeas are at their most popular with their deep, rich colors. They bloom abundantly in gardens across the country. September and October are the perfect months to indulge in hydrangeas. Here's how to take care of your hydrangeas
How to Care for Hydrangeas as Cut Flowers
Hydrangeas are resilient flowers, and with the right care and attention, they can stay beautiful for up to ten days.
Start by removing all green leaves from the hydrangea stem. Then make a diagonal, long cut in the stem.
Pour a little water into the vase. It should be just enough for the cut of the stem to be just below the water surface. Let it slowly dry at room temperature. When the hydrangea is completely dry, place it in a dry vase.
Avoid direct sunlight. If it is in direct sunlight, it may lose its beautiful color.
Preferably, keep the flower cool overnight.
Bonus Tip
Is your hydrangea is starting to droop and look tired? Make a fresh cut and immerse the flower in a bucket or basin of water.
Let the entire flower soak overnight, as cool as possible. In the morning, the flower will be firm and beautiful again.
How to Dry Your Hydrangea
Enjoy your hydrangea for a longer time by drying it. Here's how in three simple steps.
Start by removing all green leaves from the hydrangea stem. Then make a diagonally long cut in the stem.
Pour a little bit of water into the vase. It should be just enough for the cut end of the stem to be just below the water surface. Let it slowly dry at room temperature. When the hydrangea is completely dry, place it in a dry vase.
Avoid direct sunlight. If it is in direct sunlight, it may lose its beautiful color
Hydrangea in a Pot
If you have a potted hydrangea, you can place it outdoors. Repot it into a larger pot and position it in partial shade. The hydrangea can also be planted in the garden in a sheltered location, and it will bloom again next year.
Place the hydrangea in a bright location but not in direct sunlight.
Hydrangeas appreciate ample water. However, they don't like to be in standing water. So, immerse the potted plant in water and leave it there until the bubbling stops. Repeat this three times a week.
Trim away unsightly flower clusters. Read more about Hydrangea in a pot here.
How the Color of the Hydrangea is Determined
Blue hydrangea, white, purple, red, or green? Why does the hydrangea that was blue last year suddenly turn pink this year? Well, that's a bit of chemical wizardry.
The color of the hydrangea can vary depending on the soil conditions and their pH level. In acidic soils, the flower turns blue, and at a higher pH level, the flower becomes pink or red, depending on the variety. White hydrangeas always remain white regardless of the soil's pH.
To get a blue hydrangea, avoid fertilizing with calcium. You can also try putting a rusty nail or a piece of rusty rebar in the soil. Alternatively, you can try the trick with coffee grounds and citrus peel, which are incorporated into the soil a couple of times a year.
To raise the pH level in the soil and thus get pink hydrangeas, you can add lime to the fertilizer. Or crushed eggshells.