6 Ways Dry Hydrangeas to Preserve the Blooms Long After Summer

As summer winds down and autumn starts to take over, it’s the ideal time to preserve the beauty of hydrangeas. Instead of letting those wilted blooms go to waste, you can dry them and keep their charm alive in stunning floral arrangements.

With September here, my list of seasonal tasks is growing—blackberry picking, canning all the garden’s produce, and, of course, drying a few hydrangea flowers. I’ve always had a soft spot for dried hydrangeas.

They’re just so elegant and full of life, even when preserved. Those big, fluffy blooms bring such rich color and texture, and they make any room feel a little more special. Plus, they’re an organic touch that doesn’t require any upkeep!

Honestly, dried hydrangeas might be my favorite fall decoration, hands down. They’re perfect for adding a cozy, seasonal vibe to your home, but they’re also beautiful year-round in various arrangements and displays.

Given how much I love hydrangeas, it feels only right to share my passion for decorating with them, along with my tried-and-true method for drying them just right.

So today, I’m going to walk you through five easy ways to dry hydrangeas while keeping their stunning color and delicate petals intact!

Choosing the Right Hydrangeas For Drying

When it comes to drying hydrangeas, selecting the right variety is crucial for success. Different types of hydrangeas have unique characteristics that affect their drying process and the final appearance of the dried flowers.

Little Quick Fire® Panicle Hydrangea: Little Quick Fire, a dwarf version of the well-loved Limelight Hydrangea, is one of my top picks for drying. It’s an early bloomer, and I love how its color quickly shifts from white to a deep pink or red. This rapid color change is my cue that the flowers are ready to be dried. Once dried, the blooms keep their shape and rich color really well, making them perfect for long-lasting arrangements.
Summer Crush® Bigleaf Hydrangea: I’m always impressed by how well Summer Crush dries, especially when I wait for the flowers to mature and start transitioning in color. The rich, vibrant tones soften beautifully when dried, and the petals hold their shape, which adds a lovely pop of color to any dried arrangement.
Annabelle Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’): Annabelle is another one of my top choices for drying. Its large, rounded white blooms are incredibly eye-catching, and as they mature, they turn a beautiful, antique-like shade that adds a vintage charm to dried arrangements. I’ve had great success with Annabelle because the flowers maintain their fullness and take on a gorgeous, timeless look when dried.
Incrediball® Blush Smooth Hydrangea: Incrediball Blush is one of my go-tos for drying because of its large, durable blooms. As the flowers mature, they lose moisture and develop soft, subtle hues that dry beautifully. I’ve found that even after drying, they retain their rich texture and color, making them perfect for arrangements that last.

Know When to Cut Your Hydrangeas to Dry

The timing of your hydrangea harvest is absolutely crucial for getting them to dry properly. If you want them to turn out just right, don’t cut the flowers when they’re in full bloom. Instead, let them hang on the shrub until they’re almost ready to wilt—that’s the sweet spot for cutting.

Cutting too early, when the blooms are still fresh and vibrant, means they’re holding too much moisture. They might dry eventually, but they won’t look their best—the petals tend to curl inward, leaving you with flowers that look shriveled instead of beautifully preserved.

On the other hand, if you leave them on the plant for too long, they’ll dry right on the stem. This can cause the color to fade, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Personally, I love the earthy tones and muted tans that come from this natural drying process—they’re perfect for fall decor. But if you’re aiming to keep more of the original color, you’ll want to cut them just before they start to turn.

For me, the best time to cut is usually in late summer, around the end of August or early September, depending on the year’s heat and humidity. Of course, the exact timing can vary depending on the hydrangea variety, so a little trial and error might be needed. I watch my plants closely, and when the blooms start to look and feel papery, I know it’s time. You’ll notice a shift in texture from soft to slightly crisp, and that’s when they’re ready.

It’s all about finding the right balance—don’t cut too early, don’t wait too long, just aim for that perfect moment!

Prepare To Cut

Before cutting hydrangeas for drying, make sure the flowers are well-hydrated but not wet. It’s best to avoid harvesting them right after it rains or when morning dew is still on the petals. A good time to cut them is around 11 a.m., after the dew has evaporated.

The weather is a big factor too. If it’s been a really dry summer, the plants can get stressed, which isn’t the best time to pick the flowers. If your area hasn’t had much rain, it’s better to wait until after a good soak before you start cutting. If rain has been scarce, give your hydrangeas a thorough watering a day or two before you plan to cut them.

How to Cut Hydrangeas for Drying

When you’re cutting hydrangeas, think about what you plan to do with them and the size of the vases you’ll be using. You want the stems to be at least 12 inches long, and if you can manage 18 inches, that’s even better.

I usually make the first cut a couple of leaves down from the flower head, using a straight cut to minimize stress on the plant. After that, I trim the stem again at a 45-degree angle to get them ready for drying.

It’s best to cut them in batches. Once you’ve got enough for one batch, bring them to a sheltered area, out of direct sunlight. Then, strip off all the leaves, even the ones near the flower heads. Some people leave a few top leaves, but I think it’s easier to get a good dry if you remove them all.

6 Easy Ways to Dry Hydrangeas and Keep Their Color

Here are six simple methods to dry hydrangeas for your fall home decor.

1: Drying Hydrangeas in a Vase of Water

Wait, we use water to dry flowers? I know, it seems a bit backwards—but believe it or not, it’s the easiest and most reliable method to dry hydrangeas. Here’s how to go about it:

Start by cutting your hydrangea stems to about 12-18 inches long, or longer if needed. After gathering the blooms, point them downward and give them a good shake to remove any bugs or loose material before bringing them inside.
Hold each stem just below the bloom and run your hand down to strip off the leaves.
Arrange the hydrangeas in a vase like you would any flower arrangement. Hold all the stems in one hand, adjusting the flowers with the other so that the straightest blooms are in the center and the smaller or droopy ones are on the sides.
Make a final cut so all the stems are the same length, then secure them with a twist-tie or rubber band before placing them in the vase.
Fill the vase with water, about halfway to three-quarters full, making sure all the stems are submerged. If your faucet has a hose attachment, you can add the water after placing the flowers in the vase.
Continue adding water as needed until the blooms are fully dried. If the flowers are still supple, keep watering to prevent them from wilting. Once the blooms feel and look like paper, you can stop watering.
After a couple of weeks, you’ll have a beautifully dried arrangement that can last for years.

2: Dry Hydrangeas in a Vase Without Water

One of the easiest ways to dry hydrangeas is by simply placing them in a vase.

Prep the Hydrangeas: Start by removing any leaves from the stems. Then, trim the stems at a 45-degree angle to help with the drying process.
Pick a Vase: Grab a vase that will hold the hydrangeas upright without any water. The vase should give the stems enough space to breathe.
Arrange the Flowers: Place the hydrangeas in the vase, making sure the stems aren’t crowded together.
Find a Good Spot: Put the vase somewhere out of direct sunlight and away from drafts. A spot with a steady temperature is ideal.
Let Them Dry: Leave the hydrangeas in the vase and let them dry out over the next few weeks. They’ll naturally preserve their shape and color.
Check for Dryness: After a few weeks, check the petals. They should feel crisp but still look great.

3: Dry With Water and Glycerin

Glycerin drying can be a bit of a challenge, but the effort really pays off. It keeps the petals soft and flexible, which is different from the papery texture you usually get with other drying methods. This method helps prevent petal shedding and makes the flowers look fresh for a longer time.

Mix the Solution: Mix one part glycerin with two parts water in a container. Stir the mixture well to ensure the glycerin is fully dissolved.
Prepare the Hydrangeas: Trim the stems of your hydrangeas to your desired length. Remove any leaves that will be below the water line to prevent rotting.
Place the Hydrangeas in the Solution: Put the trimmed hydrangea stems into the glycerin solution. Make sure the cut ends are submerged in the liquid.
Wait for Absorption: Leave the hydrangeas in the solution for about two to three weeks. During this time, the flowers will gradually absorb the glycerin.
Monitor Progress: Check the flowers every few days. You’ll know they’re ready when the petals feel soft and flexible, almost as if they’re still fresh.
Remove and Dry: Once the petals are supple and the stems have absorbed enough glycerin, remove the hydrangeas from the solution. Let them air dry in a cool, dry place.

4: Drying Hanging Upside Down

Hanging hydrangea blooms upside-down is a quick and effective way to dry them, and it helps keep the petals from getting flattened. This method is great for preserving the flowers’ natural shape and beauty.

Trim the Stems: Cut the stems to your desired length, making sure they’re clean and free of any extra leaves.
Tie the Stems Together: Use string or twine to tie the stems together in small bunches. Don’t make the bunches too large, as this can prevent proper air circulation.
Find a Suitable Spot: Choose a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can fade the flowers.
Hang Them Upside Down: Hang the bunches upside down from a hook, nail, or even a clothes hanger. Make sure they’re spaced out enough to allow air to move around them.
Wait: Leave the hydrangeas to dry for a few weeks. It usually takes about two to three weeks, depending on the conditions.
Check for Dryness: After a couple of weeks, check the flowers. They should feel dry and slightly brittle to the touch.

5: Dry Hydrangeas With Silica

If you want to keep the vibrant colors of your hydrangeas, drying them with silica is a great option. Although silica can be a bit pricey, it’s one of the best ways to preserve the flowers’ original hues.

Choose the Right Container: Find a container that’s wide and deep enough to hold your hydrangea bloom without it touching the sides or bottom. This will prevent the flower from getting damaged during the drying process.
Position the Hydrangea: Place the hydrangea bloom carefully into the container, ensuring it’s not touching the container’s sides or bottom.
Add the Silica: Gently pour silica around the flower and in between each petal. The goal is to suspend the flower in the crystals, so make sure the silica surrounds and supports it completely.
Let It Dry: Allow the hydrangea to sit in the silica for about four days. This method helps maintain the flower’s original color.
Check the Results: After four days, carefully remove the hydrangea from the silica. The bloom should retain its vibrant color and shape.

6: Dry Hydrangeas with Hairspray

Yes, you read that right—your hairspray, can work wonders to keep hydrangeas looking fresh, full, and alive. My mother, who was quite the amateur florist, swore by this old-fashioned trick, and I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. But, it really does work!

It’s a simple and surprisingly effective method. Since hydrangeas naturally dry out and preserve themselves beautifully, the hairspray acts as a sealant, preserving the petals instantly and maintaining their original shape and appearance. And if you want, you can let them dry out naturally afterward and enjoy the bouquet for weeks, months, or even years.

Pick Mature Blooms: Choose mature hydrangea blooms with vibrant colors. Make sure they’re completely dry and free from any moisture.
Trim the Stems: Cut the stems to your desired length and remove any excess leaves.
Position the Blooms: Arrange the hydrangeas in a vase or hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area where they can dry out evenly.
Apply Hairspray: Then, grab the hairspray. Give the hydrangea blooms a generous coating, spraying from a few inches away so you don’t disturb or tear the delicate petals. Be sure to coat the entire bloom, including the undersides where the petals meet the stem.
Let Them Dry: Allow the hairspray to dry for a few minutes. Once dry, your hydrangeas should be ready to enjoy and will stay looking beautiful for an extended period.