How to make beautiful dried flowers

Wait for it to "turn green" first

Young Hydrangea flowers do not dry as desired, but wither and turn brown. Wait until the flowers turn green before drying. This means the following process:

• Flowers change color during the flowering period
• not always too green, Lilia and shades of red are also possible
• Petals get drier and harder
• feel leathery

Only well-ripened flowers that are cut after they have reached their peak will remain dimensionally stable and colorful after drying.

Cutting: time and procedure

When the flowers of hers hydrangea are wide enough to be cut to dry, depends on the variety and the local climate.

• mostly from the end of July
• cut only ripe flowers
• the color should still be intense
• for bouquets are approx. 20 cm long stems ideal
• cut with sharp scissors
• Do not damage the flowers

An overview of the various drying methods

Hydrangea flowers can be dried in different ways. The first of the options listed below are simple to use, but the color will fade.

• Hydrangeas dry in a vase
• keep the shape when hanging
• Preserve with glycerine
• Remove moisture with silica gel or washing powder

Dry hydrangeas in a vase

Hydrangea flowers and their stems can be dried in a vase without much effort.

• Cut the hydrangea stems diagonally
• Fill the vase with water only a few inches high
• Put in the hydrangeas
• Place the vase in a dark and airy place
• the water gradually evaporates
• the flowers begin to dry up
• after approx. a week they are completely dry

When the flowers take on a wrinkled appearance and fill like tissue paper, the drying process is complete.

Hang up hydrangea flowers to dry

Hydrangea flowers that are dried overhead cannot kink, which can certainly happen in a vase with the large and heavy flowers.

• Cut blossoms that have already dried on
• remove green leaves
• Leave the stem on or just dry the flowers
• hang in a dark, airy and dry place
• Windowless attics or boiler rooms are ideal
• stretch a string
• Flowers resp. Fasten the stems with clothespins

Depending on the room temperature, the drying time can vary. Test that the flowers are really dry before removing them. Dry petals crackle to the touch.

Preserve flowers with glycerine

Glycerine preserves hydrangea flowers without losing color and also maintains the softness of their petals.

• can be bought in pharmacies and drug stores
• Dissolve in double the amount of water
• Cut the stalk diagonally and place in the solution

The hydrangea flowers absorb the glycerine solution down to the last cell. Over time, the water evaporates, leaving behind the pure glycerine. The conservation is now complete.

Remove moisture with silica gel or washing powder

So-called hydroscopic material removes moisture from its surroundings and is therefore ideally suited for drying flowers. In addition to silica gel and detergent powder, the following materials are also included:

• fine cat litter
• salt
• Dry salt

All of these materials allow the drying process to proceed quickly and largely without any loss of color. The individual steps are as follows:

1. Take a large and screwable glass. The flower should find enough space in it without the petals kinking.
2. Cover the floor with the chosen drying material. Powdered detergent is available in almost every household and it is cheap too.
3. Place the hydrangea flower on top, upside down.
4. Fill the jar with the desiccant so that the entire flower is covered with it.
5. Leave the jar tightly closed for about five days.
6. Then remove the desiccant and take out the dry flower.

Shelf life of dried hydrangeas

In principle, dried hydrangea flowers last forever. Most of the time, however, they are placed openly as a decoration, where they inevitably collect a lot of dust over time. Although this can be removed regularly by gently shaking it, unsightly traces remain on the flowers in the long run.

The color intensity also decreases after about two years. This means that the hydrangea flowers can be used for a limited time in their function as beautiful decorative elements. Fortunately, the garden supplies new flowers every year, which after drying can seamlessly replace the unsightly dried specimens.

A little hairspray will extend the shine time

After drying, hydrangea flowers can be sprayed with hairspray or hair lacquer. This protects the flowers from brittleness and also gives them a nice shine. The unpleasant smell of the hairspray dissipates quickly.

Conclusion for quick readers

Suitable flowers: do not use young flowers; wait for the "greening"
Characteristics: Dried, leather-like petals, with an intense color
Time: Depending on the variety and weather; mostly from July
Cutting: only perfect flowers; with or without approx. 20 cm long stems

Vase: fill with 2-3 cm of water; Cut stems diagonally; Duration: approx. 1 week
Hanging: dark, dry and airy; Attach to string upside down
Glycerin: mix 1: 2 with water; Put stalks in; maintains color and velvety
Silica gel or detergent: put the flower and the agent in a sealed jar for five days.
Shelf life: theoretically unlimited; But flowers collect dust and lose their color intensity
Hairspray: spray dry flowers; brings shine and protects against brittleness