Many panicle hydrangeas, which usually have white flowers, show a more or less intense reddish color as they fade. The inflorescences look very attractive not only when they are fresh, but also when they have long faded, and they are easy to dry. For this reason, hydrangea blossoms are perfect for designing autumnal dry arrangements. Find out now how best to do this.
Panicle hydrangeas are also a great decorative element when dried
Drying flowers - that's how it's done
There are several methods for drying hydrangea blossoms, whereby both fresh and already (slightly) faded panicles can be used.
Dry fresh flowers
For this method, it is best to choose firm and ripe panicles of flowers, which you put in a vase filled with only a little water to dry. Don't refill the water anymore, then it will be used up gradually and the buds will start to dry. They're done drying when they feel slightly parchment-like and look slightly wrinkled. However, please note that the flower spikes will lose quite a bit of color and fade with this method.
Just as simple as it is effective: dry flowers with cat litter
Drying flowers in cat litter is a real insider tip. Choose a brand that is very fine and doesn't clump as much as possible. Fill these together with the flower panicles in an airtight container so that the flowers are completely surrounded by the cat litter. After four days you finally pour out the container, the flower is now fully preserved.
Dry slightly faded flowers
Blossoms that have already faded slightly, on the other hand, are best dried hanging upside down in the air. Remove all foliage, leaving only the flower spike and stem. The leafless flower stalks are now hung individually and overhead in a shady and airy place to dry.
Various ideas for autumn dry arrangements
Dried hydrangea flowers can be wonderfully combined with other dried flowers (e.g. roses), autumn fruits (choose long-lasting fruits such as apples), dried leaves and grass and grain stalks. You can arrange the hydrangeas either in loose dry bouquets or in flower arrangements or wreaths. For a Christmassy arrangement, dried hydrangea blossoms harmonize with small gold-plated cones or alder fruits.
tips and tricks
If you want to cut panicle hydrangeas as cut flowers, you should then place the stems in plenty of water with cut flower food. Vase hydrangeas can also be dried after the bouquet has faded.
The garden journal freshness ABC
How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?
The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:
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