If you ask me, hydrangeas are some of the most beautiful flowers. A sphere full of lush blossoms in delicate shades, they’re perfect for bouquets or single flower arrangements. They’re also incredibly chic and have a classic appeal that’s hard to deny. The only issue is that they also have a tendency to droop quickly. A vase of wilted flowers doesn’t exactly scream sophistication. Luckily, I’ve learned a few tips for keeping hydrangeas fresh in my years of purchasing them.

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Hydrangeas add classic

elegance to decor with

full, lush blossoms

Keep hydrangeas fresh

by cutting stems at

an angle and removing leaves

Hydrangeas need lots

of water and regular

misting or dunking

Large blooms create

stunning arrangements—pair

with greenery for contrast

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While it’s true that these gorgeous flowers work year-round, they’re most popular during the summer months. They begin blossoming at the height of spring and continue to flourish throughout the season. But hydrangeas are unique in that they don’t emerge from the ground. Like roses, these flowers are the result of a flowering shrub and need delicate care to ensure they remain lively and vibrant. If you’re struggling with keeping your bouquet looking spectacular for more than a few hours, the guide below will be your saving grace. Keep reading to see the best tips for beautiful hydrangeas.

Prioritize Hydration

Flowers and plants of any type need water to survive, but hydrangeas need a lot of water to sustain themselves. More often than not, the trip from the store to your house is more than enough time for them to dehydrate. That said, it’s best to keep their stems as moist as possible while transporting them home. Wrapping them with several damp paper towels usually does the trick, but they still need to be added to water as soon as possible. Lukewarm water is also preferred over cold water because it’s easier for the stems to absorb, ensuring the flowers are hydrated quickly.

Don’t Neglect the Stems

When preparing hydrangeas for display, it’s essential not to neglect the stems. This involves cutting the ends at an angle rather than straight across and removing all of the leaves. An angular cut increases the surface area for optimal water absorption, while discarding the leaves is helpful for the look and health of the flowers. When the leaves are left soaking in the water, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can shorten the life of your arrangement. Additionally, clean stems add an elegant touch to the overall appearance.

Size Matters

Large, full blossoms are one of the most notable attributes of these flowers. Coincidentally, it’s also what makes them beautiful for single flower arrangements. Instead of adding smaller flowers, which may get lost in the mix, opt for green stems that provide contrast to the flowers and enhance their natural beauty.

Maximize Hydration

Remember when I said hydrangeas need a lot of water? Their blossoms aren’t just pretty, they’re also functional and can uniquely absorb water through the petals. To keep the flowers looking fresh, I’ve learned that a few spritzes of water throughout the week have their advantages. Investing in a small mister can help keep your hydrangeas moist and hydrated, decreasing the chance of drooping.

The Dunking Method

If you’ve done all of the above and still find yourself with wilted hydrangeas, there’s a fail-safe to reviving them. Since hydrangeas can absorb water through their petals, dunking them in a bowl of water gives them a boost of moisture and can bring them back to life. Most florists recommend using cool or cold water over warm since the petals have a larger surface area to begin with and don’t have to fight gravity or sap for water absorption.