How to Dry Hydrangeas the Right Way

If you’ve ever wished those beautiful summer hydrangea blooms could stick around a little longer, good news—they can. With the right timing and by learning a few simple techniques, drying hydrangeas can be a rewarding way to enjoy them well into fall and beyond.

Find the Perfect Moment for Picking

The most important step in drying hydrangeas is knowing when to cut them.

“The best time to cut white flowering hydrangeas is when the top or center flowers begin to show a slight green tint,” said Heather Sherwood, senior horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “It might feel like you’re cutting them a little past their peak, but that’s actually the sweet spot.”

At this stage of their growth cycle, the blooms have started to dry naturally on the plant, which means they’ll hold their shape and color better once you bring them indoors for drying.

For hydrangea varieties that bloom in colors, such as pink, blue, purple, red, green-blushed, or multicolored, the timing is similar. “Wait until the flowers have a papery texture and their color begins to shift—often with some green appearing,” Sherwood explained. “If they’ve already wilted, it’s too late.”

Look for the oldest, most mature blooms on the plant. A good test? Gently feel the petals—they should be slightly crisp, almost like tissue paper.

 

Two Easy Drying Methods

Once you’ve picked your hydrangea blooms, there are two simple ways to dry them: upright in water or hanging upside down.

For the water method, it’s a good idea to strip away most or all of the leaves, especially those below the water line. “I usually keep none or just one leaf close to the flower,” said Sherwood. Next, place the stems in a vase with a small amount of water and let it evaporate naturally over two weeks.

The key to success with the water method is not to overcrowd the vase. “Airflow is important for the blooms to dry properly,” she said. “And I don’t put them in direct sunlight. I like to put mine on the kitchen table, out of the sun.”

Alternatively, you can dry them upside down. Group three to five stems together, secure them with a rubber band, and hang them in a dry, shaded area. Just note that this method may change the shape of the blooms slightly.

What Are the Best Varieties for Drying?

Not all hydrangeas dry equally well. Sherwood recommends a few standout types:

 

Tips to Preserve Color and Prevent Crumbling

To help maintain extra vibrant blooms, and prevent crumbling, you can use silica gel, a drying agent available at craft stores. 

“Submerge the flowers completely in the silica gel, making sure the petals don’t touch each other,” Sherwood advised.

Use a container with a tightly sealed lid and leave them undisturbed for three to six days. Any longer, and the petals may turn brittle and crumble.

Silica-dried blooms tend to retain their color better than air-dried ones, though the method is slightly more expensive. To further protect delicate petals, Sherwood suggests using hairspray, flower sealant, or even glitter spray to add a little extra shimmer and staying power.

Experiment and Have Fun

Drying hydrangeas is more art than science—and thankfully, it’s a forgiving one.

“They’re fun plants to dry,” Sherwood says. “You really can’t go wrong.”

Once dry, the blooms can be used in everything from fall centerpieces to holiday wreaths. You can even spray-paint them to create bold, dramatic effects.