5 Steps to Dry Hydrangeas With the Most VIBRANT Color

Hydrangeas, we love them enough to want to enjoy them ALL YEAR LONG! After we are done enjoying them in the garden, we can bring them inside to use them in dried floral displays or simply on their own in a vase. Hydrangeas are known for their stunning blooms and vibrant colors, but did you know that you can preserve these colors by drying the flowers properly? Drying hydrangeas is a simple process that can result in long-lasting, colorful blooms that you can enjoy for months to come. Follow these 5 expert steps to ensure your dried hydrangeas maintain their vibrant colors!

Step 1: Choose the Right Time

If you are looking for the easiest way to dry your hydrangeas, as I always say with gardening “Timing is everything!”.  Wait until the flowers have faded a bit, this is typically late summer, early fall and choose a dry sunny day. You will know when they are ready because the flowers have simply faded and dried right on the shrub. The blooms will be crispy to the touch and feel like paper. They will feel dried, and look a bit darker then when the flowers are in their prime, but not brown. *White hydrangeas will turn mauve. So just right for picking your dried flowers is when they are crisp to the touch and still have their color.

Too early = wilted/droopy flowers. They are still damp to the touch and will wilt when picked
Too late = brown and crispy!

Step 2: Cut the Stems

When cutting hydrangeas for drying make sure to do so mid to late morning and when the flowers are well-hydrated. Use sharp pruners to cut the stems at an angle and remove any excess leaves from the stems leaving just the blooms. Cutting the stems at an angle will help the flowers absorb water more efficiently during the drying process (if you use the water drying method). 

Pro Tip

I like to leave my stems long to give myself more options around 12 to 18 inches long.

Step 3: Choose the Drying Method

There are several methods for drying hydrangeas, including air drying, water drying, and silica gel drying. Air drying is the most common and this involves hanging the flowers upside down in a dark, dry location. Water drying involves placing the stems in a vase with water and allowing it to evaporate naturally. Silica gel drying is a quicker method that involves burying the flowers in silica gel.

Air drying hanging upside down

• Hang the hydrangeas upside down in in small bunches in a cool, dry place with some ventilation
  
• Avoid placing them in a draft 

Placing in water 

• Place the stems in a vase with a couple of inches of water
• Place the vase in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight
• Don't overcrowd the vase
  

Drying with silica 

• Choose a container that's wide and deep enough for the flower
  
• Pour silica around the flower and between the petals
  
• Let the flower dry for about four days 

Step 4: Monitor the Drying Process

Regardless of the drying method you choose, it's important to monitor the process to ensure the hydrangeas are drying properly. Check the flowers regularly for any signs of mold or mildew, and make adjustments as needed. Proper ventilation is key during the drying process.

Step 5: Display Your Dried Hydrangeas

I love bringing the garden inside and finding creative ways to enjoy my flowers all year long. Make your plans for how to creatively use your blooms! I don’t know about you, but when its cold outside and there is snow on the ground, having some pretty blooms not only gets me through the winter, but it brings me so much joy!

Once your hydrangeas are fully dried, it's time to display them in your home. Whether you choose to create a dried flower arrangement or simply place them in a vase, dried hydrangeas can add a pop of color to any room. To maintain their vibrant color, keep them out of direct sunlight and away from humidity.

Here are some of my favorite ways to decorate with dried hydrangeas:

• In a vase
• Wreaths
• Dried floral arrangements
• Crafts