Hydrangea Lessons

Farm to Table: Cutting Garden Hydrangeas for Flower Arrangements

It’s that time of summer in the Northeast when hydrangeas are showcasing their spectacular blooms. If you’ve noticed that your hydrangeas are looking exceptionally beautiful this year, there's a reason… Last summer was wet and the winter was dry—the perfect conditions for hydrangeas to thrive!

How does last year’s weather impact this year’s blooms? Well, plants form flower buds during the summer that will bloom the following year. So, those gorgeous hydrangea bushes are already preparing next year’s flowers right now! If you're curious to learn more, the Cape Cod Times published an intriguing article on the subject.

Hydrangeas In My Garden

While the iconic blue hydrangeas are a New England classic, did you know there are over 75 species of hydrangeas?

In my garden, I have three different varieties of hydrangea bushes. Each type brings its own charm and beauty, ensuring a vibrant and diverse display throughout the blooming season. Here are three varieties I grow:

☙ Big Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla): These are the famous blue, pink, and purple hydrangeas. Their color actually comes from the soil's acidity.

☙ Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'): Known for their large, round flower heads, I have these beauties flanking my front entryway.

☙ Lacecap Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla normalis):With delicate, flat-topped clusters of blooms, these hydrangeas are a favorite for summer weddings. By the end of the summer, they develop a charming pink patina.

My Hydrangea Tips!

The number one question I get is how to make foraged hydrangeas last longer in arrangements. It all starts with the cut!

Timing: Cut your hydrangeas in the early morning or evening when the sun isn't as strong to avoid shocking them.
Immediate Hydration: Have a bucket of water nearby and place the freshly cut stems in water immediately.
Proper Cutting: Cut the stem at a slant from the bush, and then make another slanted cut up the stem to aid hydration.
Consistent Watering: Hydrangeas drink a lot of water, so ensure you’re constantly adding water to your arrangement.

Video Demonstration

I've made a quick tutorial with all my hydrangea tips which you can watch here:
(for optimal viewing, watch in full-screen mode)

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of your hydrangeas in your home for much longer. I hope this inspires you to display hydrangeas from your garden when hosting friends & family this summer, and to enjoy them every day!

Happy gardening!

XOXO,
Sandra

P.S. - see our newest floral arrangements showcasing summer hydrangeas!