Dry hydrangeas without color loss

Hydrangeas are beautiful and profusely flowering flowers that are planted in many home gardens. So that the magnificent flowers are an attractive eye-catcher for a long period of time, they can be dried. In this way, the distinctive sight can also be enjoyed outside of the summer. Certain techniques are advisable, however, so that there is no unattractive loss of color.

General information about hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are planted in a classic way in a rustic garden, but in the last Over the years these delightful flowers have become a real trendsetter and adorn many garden discounts. The plants are a good addition to the existing planting in any garden. Hydrangeas also thrive in a bucket on the balcony or terrace. The flowers shine in many colors and enchant with a bushy flower shape. However, before the hydrangeas are dried, the gardener should pay attention to a few important points when cutting off the flowers.

• Shades of cream, pink and white are common
• Some varieties also shine in blue and purple
• Are difficult to dry
• Flowers break down easily and quickly lose their color

Trim flowers properly

If young and fresh flowers are used for drying, then they will only turn brown and wither. Therefore, the green flowers are better suited for this. The flowers of the hydrangea change color over the course of the flowering period, and they also become harder and drier. In addition, the petals feel a little leathery, this process is called greening. Greening is very pronounced in farmer's hydrangeas, but panicle and forest hydrangeas also show this distinctive change. Depending on the variety, this color change not only turns green, but can also take on reddish and purple shades. For this reason, the desired flowers should only be cut off after the peak of the flowering period, but should still retain their magnificent colour. The flower must be almost mature so that it can remain stable and colorful for a long time after drying.

• Wait patiently until the flowers are fully ripe before cutting
• The exact time depends heavily on the local climate
• Usually cut flowers between late July and early August
• The type of hydrangea also determines the time window for pruning
• Do not cut extremely fresh flowers to dry
• Magnificent coloring should however still be present
• Cut off green flowers depending on the desired stem length
• Leave a stem length of about 15 to 20 centimeters for dried bouquets
• Do not damage the flower bases and stems unnecessarily
• Only use sharp and disinfected pruning shears for cutting
• Impurities lead to the penetration of germs and bacteria

decoration

The dried hydrangeas can be used very nicely as a decoration in the living rooms and the inhabited outdoor areas. Since the flowers last a long time after drying, they are reminiscent of happy moments in summer during the long and dark winter months. In general, dried flowers can be preserved forever, but over the years they will collect dust and dirt. Under these circumstances, the dried hydrangea flowers can only be stored for a limited period of time use as decoration, but more specimens can be dried with each new flowering period.

• Process dried flowers into colorful bouquets or arrangements
• Serve as a decorative element in the living room, kitchen and hallway
• Ideal as an eye-catcher on furniture (chests of drawers, side tables or wall units)
• Ideal for the festively set table and table
• Do very well in the colorful potpourri
• Arrange dried single flowers in a bowl
• Panicles stand nicely upright in vases
• To be used as an element for handicrafts

drying process

With the right approach, the magnificent flowers of the hydrangea can be dried very easily and then either stored or used for many purposes. When drying, the structure and color of the flowers should be preserved as much as possible. In an airy place, the flowers dry much faster, and also retain their bright color. Unfortunately, the flowers become brittle over time, but with a hydrangea bush in the garden, you can quickly replenish them at the end of summer. Hydrangeas that have already dried should not be placed where they are permanently exposed to direct sunlight. In this way, the flowers last a long time and keep their color.

• Stems should already be lignified and brown in colour
• Remove any leaves from the stems before drying
• Dry flowers as quickly as possible
• Colors last longer without fading light
• Dark and warm places are ideal for the drying process
• This includes boiler rooms, attics and attics

Dry hanging

Hanging prevents the buds from flattening out and hanging limp by gravity. In addition, the flowers do not crease in this way and keep their color permanently.

• Hang the flowers upside down by the stem
• Attach to a ribbon beforehand
• Wait a few days for the flowers to dry completely
• The degree of dryness can be recognized by the crackling noise

cat litter

The cat litter trick was invented by florists who wanted to speed up the drying process in this way. Due to the dusty nature of cat litter, this process should take place in a mostly closed container, such as a plastic container. The cat litter absorbs well and removes the moisture from the flowers, which means that they dry relatively quickly and without any disturbing color loss.

• Place cut hydrangea flowers in cat litter
• Cover with another layer
• Be sure to proceed carefully
• Don't use too much cat litter
• Be careful not to wrinkle and crush the petals
• Alternatively, conventional washing powder can also be used

paper & cardboard

Paper and cardboard are also good for drying hydrangea flowers, as they remove moisture from the environment and create a dry environment for the drying process. This technique is especially good for drying single flowers without a stem.

• Lay out flowers on newspaper in a warm and dark room
• It is also possible to put them on cardboard in a dark corner of the house
• Rotate flowers daily and observe process
• In this way, flat spots on the flowers can be avoided

glycerin

Using glycerin has proven to be an extremely effective way to dry hydrangeas without an unwelcome loss of color. A mixture of water and glycerine, which the hydrangeas absorb through the stems, is ideal for this. This is how the glycerin gets into the cells of the flowers. After a few days, the water will have evaporated, but the glycerin will remain in the flowers. This process has the great advantage that the dried hydrangeas retain their beautiful color and the flowers feel very soft. In contrast to the conventional drying process, these do not become brittle and can therefore be used over a much longer period of time.

• You will need a vase, hydrangeas, water and glycerine
• Glycerine is available in drugstores or pharmacies
• Mix two thirds of water with one third of glycerin
• Pour the water and glycerin mixture into the vase
• Place hydrangeas in the mix
• After a few days the water will evaporate
• Then don't refill the water
• Glycerin is retained in the flowers

Silica Gel & Dry Salt

With silica gel and dry salt, both whole flowers and individual petals can be dried if they are to be used, for example, to decorate greeting cards. The powders remove moisture from the flowers over time, while preserving the colors. A sealable container is required for this drying method. As most people in the retail industry are familiar with, silica gel comes in small sachets that are included in new bags and clothing items. In this context, it serves the same purpose as drying buds. Dry salt has a completely different color in its dry state, which changes with the degree of moisture. It is therefore easy to recognize when it can no longer absorb moisture and needs to be replaced.

• Powders are available at craft stores
• Lightproof and lockable tin and cardboard cans are ideal
• Fill the jar with a layer of silica gel or dry salt
• Place the flowers on this layer
• Then cover completely with more powder
• Be careful not to damage flowers
• Then close the jar
• Wait for the flowers to dry
• The drying process usually takes only a few days
• Silica gel and dry salt can be used several times
• Dry in the oven or microwave after use

Preservative with hairspray

Hairspray is a good way to make the flowers last longer if they are already completely dry. In this way, the hydrangeas are preserved so that they do not break and fall apart so quickly. To prevent odor nuisance in the room air, it is better to spray outside, either on the balcony, terrace or in the garden. In this way, the hairspray evaporates very quickly in the area.

• Spray flowers generously with hairspray
• distance of approx. Reserve 50 cm when spraying
• Ideally, incorporate hydrangea blossoms into the arrangement or wreath beforehand
• As an alternative to hairspray, clear lacquer can also be used

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