How to Keep Hydrangeas in a Vase

Hydrangea blossoms remain fresh and attractive for up to two weeks when they receive proper care in a vase. Choosing healthy flowers that have just begun to open further prolongs the life of your arrangement. Place purchased flowers in a vase as soon as possible to prevent them from wilting. If you cut hydrangeas from your garden for display, choose only undamaged stems and blossoms. Cutting them in the morning provides more attractive blooms, since they haven't begun to wilt in the heat of the day.

Vase
Floral preservative
Knife

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a vase with water that's 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Dissolve a packet of cut flower preservative in the water.
- 2
  Trim the lower leaves off each hydrangea stem. Remove any leaves that will sit below the water surface once the hydrangeas are in the vase.
- 3
  Cut the bottom 1/2 to 1 inch off the stem at a 45-degree angle. Cut through the stem with a knife, as scissors may pinch the stem closed and inhibit water uptake.
- 4
  Place the cut hydrangea stem in the water immediately after cutting the stem. Keep the vase in a cool area away from direct sunlight.
- 5
  Replace the water and floral preservative every two to three days, or sooner if the water becomes discolored. Frequent water replacement helps prolong the life of the hydrangea flowers. Replenish the water daily if the water level drops.

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