Cutting Hydrangeas & Sudden Wilting

Proper Cutting

• Properly cutting a hydrangea bloom is simple, but takes practice. When correctly done, hydrangea blooms last as long as one month in a vase. The bloom should be at least a week old and fully colored before cutting. The older the bloom, the longer its lifespan in the vase. Hydrangeas grow on old wood, so it is essential to cut the stem’s green area for the best results and keeping the plant blooming. Cut at a diagonal, remove the stem’s bottom inch and immerse the bloom in water for approximately two hours.

Reviving Wilted Blooms

• If a hydrangea begins wilting in the vase, a few methods revive the petals. Replace water every day or two keeping it fresh and clean. As the bloom ages, cutting a small portion off the stem’s bottom increases water absorption. Water should be kept at room temperature for best results.

Hot Water Method

• The hot water method, according to hydrangeashydrangeas.com, works for blooms that are wilting after four or five days after being cut. Immediately after cutting from the plant, immerse the stem in water; this requires bringing a container of water into the garden. Once indoors, pour some boiling water into a separate container and stand the cut stems in the water for 30 seconds. Then put flowers in a vase with room temperature water.

Alum Dip

• Alum is a product that was widely used in food production. It is usually available in grocery store spice isles or among the pickling supplies. Cut the hydrangea at the stem’s green part preferably during the morning hours when weather is cool. Drop the stem immediately into a container of water. Cut the stem down approximately one-half inch and dip the stem’s bottom into powdered alum. Arrange the plants in a vase of room temperature water. Placing them in water rinses the alum off the stem, but the process keeps the flowers healthy.