However, before choosing a drying method, it is vital that you are acquainted with some basics about drying hydrangea flowers. If left on the shrub a while longer, many blooms will pick up interesting shades of burgundy and pink. Place hydrangea in a wide container with 2 or 3 inches of water and allow the flowers lots of space so air can get to the flowers. Drying Hydrangea Blossoms. Naturally, I dry my Hydrangeas October 26, 2013. Hydrangea like lots of water and cool temperatures. Type of Hydrangeas Most Hydrangeas prefer moist, rich soil, and part sun /part shade locations. How to dry Hydrangea. I especially like the light creamy-green color of hydrangeas in my garden when the flowers start to age. The hydrangea flowers are unique because once dried, they can maintain their exotic appearance for years. Several weeks ago I shared what I have learned about growing limelight hydrangeas . Edited To Add: How To Dry Hydrangeas With Hairspray. This is an older post and shows you how I spray painted my hydrangeas a few years ago! How to Dry Hydrangea Flowers. Give your hydrangea a good rinse or an ice bath when you bring them inside. In fact, the first time I ever tried to do it on purpose, it completely failed. Drying Hydrangeas Naturally * Leave blooms on the shrub until late summer. Toward the end of the summer the petals will begin to age and take on a vintage look. I like to use wax paper underneath the flowers to keep them from sticking to my work surface. I am definitely not an expect at the art of drying hydrangeas. Remove all of the leaves from the stem (or at least the part of the stem that will be submerged) and put the flowers in a vase with an inch or two of water. Here is a guide to all things hydrangea: a description of the different types, how to change their color, drying projects, and how to properly manage hydrangea care! Drying Limelight Hydrangeas: the best way to harvest and dry limelight hydrangeas for arrangements, a dried limelight hydrangea wreath, or fall decor. I enjoy preserving them so I can enjoy them in inside during the winter. Whenever I happen to post a photo showing dried Limelight Hydrangeas, I always get questions regarding how to dry them. A lot of people find this article by Googling the question "How To Dry Hydrangeas With Hairspray".Although it is not a step I normally do, the theory is that if you lightly spray them with an aerosol hairspray after all the blooms are dried, it helps keep the little florets from falling off when you brush up against them. –Once dry, take the hydrangeas outside to spray with an acrylic clear coat. Alum is suggested however I was advised, by a local grower, (who exported to the US), wait till the inner of each flower opens and shows its stamen and the leaves of each feel papery then cut the stem on the brown older wood NOT the green wood. Considering the overwhelming beauty of the Hydrangea plant, it’s no wonder I cherish the pleasure of taking the time to dry them each year so I may have months of delight admiring their loveliness. There are different approaches to dry these beautiful flowers. By drying the blooms, you can enjoy their classic beauty year-round. Place the vase in a cool area, away from direct sunlight. I love hydrangeas! Two main methods are used to dry hydrangea flowers: vase drying and silica drying. Also, dried hydrangeas are great to use for various crafts. Hydrangeas are super popular in southern New Zealand. Begin first by clipping your garden hydrangea branches on an angle. Spray paint your hydrangeas now! The timing for cooler areas may be much different from this. Vase drying is easier and cheaper, while silica drying produces more vibrant color. Step-by-Step: Drying Hydrangea Flowers. I've been cutting and saving for several,years and customer's ask how to preserve them.