Hydrangeas cut and dried

Last update: April 9, 2003 - 11:00 PM

Hydrangeas cut and dried Hydrangeas share a curious characteristic:Their flower clusters can contain two flower types. One type of flower is small, starlike, and can produce seeds if pollinated. The other is much larger and showier, but it's sterile, so it won't produce seeds.

Hydrangea flower clusters can have a combination of both types of flowers or they can be almost exclusively made up of the large flowers. Those that have a combination boast a lacy look, with the large flowers circling or sticking out from a mass of the flowers. Hydrangeas composed mostly of large flowers have a rounded, puffball shape.

Whatever the flower form, hydrangeas are great for bouquets, fresh or dried. For fresh bouquets, cut branches when the flowers are just opening, strip off foliage and place stems in lukewarm water with floral preservative added.

For dried arrangements, cut stems when flowers are at or slightly past peak, then hang in a cool, airy spot to dry. Dried flowers can be left au naturel or jazzed up with a sweep of gold or silver spray paint.

Remember that when you cut your hydrangeas for flowers, you're pruning the plant. So prune judiciously.

Nancy Rose, Contributing Writer

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