White Hydrangea Centerpieces

Types

• The type of container you select will provide the architectural foundation for your white hydrangea centerpiece. Choose baskets for country-casual or sleek white ceramics for monochromatic modernism. Metallic finishes add luxury, while color provides contrast. Clear glass vases, from vintage crystal to fish bowls, highlight accompaniments such as colored marbles or pebbles, splashy kumquats or even limes. Plan your arrangement according to the mood you want to set: tight clusters of hydrangeas for tailored settings, looser bouquets for a casual vibe.

Size

• The large, globe-shaped flower clusters on white hydrangeas make a big enough statement to form a centerpiece without any additional flowers, though including leaves, ferns or other greenery will help ground the arrangement and hide the edges of the vase. Consider whether you want to use hydrangeas alone or as the focal point in a mixed bouquet. Calla lilies, white freesia and white roses complement white hydrangeas. They are floral-shop standbys, and their smaller scale still allows the hydrangeas to star.

Time Frame

• Before you arrange your white hydrangea centerpiece, hydrate the flowers. The growers at Weddinghydrangea.com suggest you cut the bottom quarter inch off the hydrangea stems while they are submerged in a bowl of water. This will keep air bubbles out of the stem and allow it to more effectively take up water. Let flowers stand in water for several hours. Exceptionally limp hydrangeas, advise the growers, can be completely submerged in cold water until revived. Change the water every two to three days after arranging to keep the centerpiece fresh and re-cut the stems under water if the bouquet droops. Your hydrangea centerpiece should last four to seven days.

Considerations

• Keep the height of the vase low; you don't want the arrangement to block guests' line of sight. Clear waterproof floral tape, arranged across the mouth of a container in a grid pattern, can help you attain a more even flower placement. Keep foliage above the water line to prevent rot and prolong the life of the centerpiece. Remember your white hydrangea centerpiece will be viewed from all sides.

Expert Insight

• Flowershopnetwork.com suggests you resist the urge to use floral foam in your arrangements, as hydrangeas do better in fresh water.

Warning

• Hydrangeas are toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and cause digestive upset. Signs your pet may have ingested hydrangea are vomiting, depression and diarrhea, according to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Consult your vet if you suspect poisoning. Consider man-made alternatives to fresh flowers, available through craft stores and florists.