How to Keep Cut Hydrangeas Longer
Hydrangeas are large, exquisite blue flowers that can add to the beauty of any floral arrangement and bouquet. While they can be used both fresh and dry, the fresher ones really cheer up their surroundings. However, freshly cut hydrangeas are prone to wilting, as a sticky sap like substance clogs their stems, keeping the moisture from reaching the blooms. However, if cared for properly, your cut hydrangeas can last for around 7 to 10 days.
Things Required:
– Hydrangeas
– A bucket of tepid water
– A sharp pruning shear or knife
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– ½ tsp bleach
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 quart hot water
– Your favourite vase
– Sewing needle
Instructions
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1
Cut the hydrangeas in the morning
It is highly recommended that you cut the hydrangeas in the morning, before the flowers start wilting naturally. When you go out to cut the hydrangeas, make sure you take a bucket of lukewarm water with you. Place the flowers in the water immediately after cutting them. -
2
Prepare the preservative for the hydrangeas
Hydrangeas love fresh water but they also need a constant supply of food to stay fresh for a long time. You can always feed your hydrangeas with store bought flower food, but making a homemade preservative is also very simple and easy. To prepare a homemade preservative, simply mix two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with one tablespoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of bleach in a quart of hot water. Stir the concoction thoroughly to combine all the ingredients, and ladle it into the vase that will hold the hydrangea arrangement. -
3
Re-cut the stems
Re-cut the hydrangeas to the length of your choice and crush the tips of the stems gently with a small hammer. This will ensure that the flowers absorb water at a faster rate and remain hydrated at all times. The plants will absorb water more easily this way, but if you don’t want to crush the stems, simply pierce a few strategic holes into them using a small sewing needle. -
4
Pinch the leaves and arrange the flowers in the vase
Pinch all the extra leaves on the stem, since hydrangea leaves absorb a lot of water. After cutting off the leaves, arrange the hydrangeas immediately in the vase containing the hot preservative.
