How to Make Your Cut Hydrangeas Last Longer
Hydrangeas are some of the most stunning flowers to bring indoors—their big, cloud-like blooms can brighten up any room. But if you've ever cut a few for a vase only to find them wilting within a day, you're not alone. The good news? With a few tricks, you can dramatically extend the vase life of cut hydrangeas and enjoy their beauty for days longer.
Here’s how to keep your hydrangeas looking fresh and full:
1. Cut at the Right Time
Morning is the best time to cut hydrangeas. The plants are fully hydrated, and the blooms are less likely to wilt. Choose stems with mature flowers—those that feel firm and a bit papery rather than soft and delicate.
2. Use Clean, Sharp Tools
Always use sharp garden shears or scissors and give your tools a quick clean before snipping. A clean cut helps the stems take up water more effectively and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
3. Immediate Water Bath
Right after cutting, place the hydrangeas in a bucket of lukewarm water. Better yet, submerge the entire bloom for about 30–45 minutes. Hydrangeas absorb water through their petals, so this can revive even slightly droopy blooms.
4. Strip the Leaves
Remove any leaves that will fall below the water line in your vase. Leaves in water can rot quickly and encourage bacteria growth, which clogs the stems and shortens the life of your flowers.
5. Give the Stems a Fresh Cut and a Vertical Slit
Before placing them in a vase, cut the stems at a diagonal to increase water uptake. Then, make a small vertical slit up the center of each stem. This opens up the woody part of the stem and helps them drink more efficiently.
6. Try the Alum Trick
This one’s a florist favorite! Dip the freshly cut stem ends in powdered alum (you can find it in the spice aisle). It helps keep the water flowing into the stem and prevents it from sealing off.
7. Change the Water Daily
Use lukewarm water and change it every day or every other day. Clean the vase thoroughly before refilling to keep bacteria at bay. Adding a floral preservative—or a homemade mix of sugar, white vinegar, and bleach—can also help extend vase life.
8. Keep Them Cool
Display your cut hydrangeas out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like vents or appliances. Cooler temps will help slow down the aging process.
9. Reviving Wilted Blooms
If your hydrangeas wilt, don’t give up! Try cutting the stems again and submerging the entire flower in cool water for a few hours. Many times, they’ll perk right back up.
Hydrangeas don’t have to be fleeting. With a little TLC, your vase of blooms can stay beautiful and full for up to a week—or longer. Whether you're clipping from your garden or bringing home a bouquet, these simple steps will keep your hydrangeas fresh and lovely.
