The simplest way to dry hydrangeas is to wait until the blooms turn papery on the plant, cut them with stems about 12 inches long, strip the leaves and hang them upside down in a dim, airy place for two to five weeks. Oregon State University Extension says hydrangeas do not dry well when freshly flowering and suggests waiting about six to eight weeks after blooming. Air drying changes the color, so if you want to keep pink or blue you will need silica gel. This guide covers each method, how to tell the flowers are dry and how to store them.
The ASPCA lists hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (it names cyanogenic glycosides). Dry hydrangeas for decoration, keep them away from pets and do not use them in food or tea.
When to Cut
- Wait until the heads are papery. Oregon State says to wait about six to eight weeks after blooming until the head has a papery appearance, and Mississippi State University Extension says to wait until the flowers begin to dry on the plants and feel papery to the touch.
- Cut in the morning and remove all the leaves from the stem (Oregon State).
- Leave about 12 inches of stem and bundle the stems (Mississippi State).
Method 1: Hang to Dry
Hang the bundles upside down in an airy, dim place (Mississippi State), out of the sun in a well-circulated area (Oregon State). Illinois Extension says to hang large flowers such as peonies and hydrangeas individually, and that hanging generally takes two to three weeks; University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension gives three to five weeks for flowers in general.
Method 2: Dry in a Vase
Oregon State says you may hang the cut bloom upside down or stand it in a vase with just a few inches of water, and Clemson Cooperative Extension lists hydrangeas among flowers that dry well this way: the water gradually evaporates and the bloom dries on the stem.
Keeping the Color: Silica Gel
Mississippi State says hydrangeas preserved by air drying do not retain their natural pink or blue colors. To keep more color, it recommends drying the flowers in silica gel or a mixture of borax and cornmeal, sealing the container for at least four days and not leaving the flowers in the drying agent too long or they will become brittle. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says one to three weeks are generally required in a desiccant, so check on the early side.
Clemson lists hydrangea among flowers that can be microwave-dried; our full guide covers that and the other methods: how to dry flowers.
What About a Dehydrator?
Hydrangea heads are thick and hold a lot of water, and our dehydrator flower guide recommends air drying for them because thick blooms take longer and dry unevenly in a dehydrator. We found no extension source recommending a dehydrator for hydrangeas, so we do not give a setting.
How to Tell They Are Dry
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says drying is complete when flowers are crisp and dry but not brittle. The petals should feel papery with no soft or damp spots.
Storing and Using Dried Hydrangeas
Mississippi State says dried flowers should be kept in a plastic bag until used for decorating. Keep them out of direct sun, which fades color, and away from humidity.
Quick Answers
How long does it take to dry hydrangeas?
Two to three weeks by hanging according to Illinois Extension, and three to five weeks according to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension for flowers in general.
When is the best time to cut hydrangeas for drying?
When the heads feel papery, about six to eight weeks after blooming according to Oregon State Extension.
Will dried hydrangeas keep their color?
Not by air drying, according to Mississippi State Extension, which says they do not retain their natural pink or blue colors. Silica gel preserves more color.
Can I dry hydrangeas in water?
Yes. Stand the stems in a vase with a few inches of water and let the water evaporate, per Oregon State.
Are dried hydrangeas safe for pets?
No. The ASPCA lists hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Sources
- Oregon State University Extension: General care of hydrangeas
- Mississippi State University Extension: Hydrangeas for Mississippi gardens
- Illinois Extension: Make flowers and memories last forever by drying
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Drying flowers
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Guide to drying flowers
- ASPCA: Hydrangea
