Tips To Preserve and Dry Hydrangea Blooms with Hairspray

How Preserve Hydrangeas

What if I told you that you could cut your gorgeous hydrangeas and keep them looking like fresh cut flowers for months by spraying the blooms with ordinary aerosol hairspray? In this post I share key tips to dry and preserve fresh hydrangea blooms, including the use of hairspray and other methods, to enjoy their flowers longer.

Hydrangeas are one of the most stunning flowers to grow in your garden. Their large, lush blooms add a touch of elegance and color to any space. However, their beauty is often fleeting, leaving us wishing we could enjoy their vibrant colors and intricate shapes year-round.

Let’s face it, fresh flowers bring vibrant beauty into any space, but their charm is temporary. To enjoy them longer, you can preserve flowers by drying them. One popular method is to dry hydrangeas, capturing their blooming flowers (from white to bright colors) in a timeless state.

Once preserved, you can arrange flowers in various ways to enhance your home decor. Whether you prefer fresh blooms or lasting dried arrangements, incorporating flowers adds natural beauty and sophistication to your space.

I have dried the Little Lime’ Panicle Hydrangea my blue mophead hydrangeas and my strawberry vanilla Panicle Hydrangeas. These all dried beautifully.

Why Hairspray Preserves Hydrangeas

Fortunately, there’s some simple tricks and tips to preserve these beautiful blooms using something you likely already have at home: hairspray. Yes, preserve hydrangeas with hairspray! You can apply ordinary hairspray to dry flowers to keep them looking fresh until Christmas or to help maintain their appearance longer.

So how do you preserve dried flowers and fresh flowers with hairspray? It’s one of the best tips to preserve your hydrangea blooms. It’s the most popular way to preserve your hydrangea methods.

Let’s dive into the steps on how to use hairspray to preserve your hydrangeas and enjoy their beauty long after they’ve been cut. Preserving fresh flowers is a floral trick that has been used for years. Another great method to keep your flowers looking fresh much longer.

Hairspray acts as a protective shield, keeping your hydrangea petals looking vibrant for longer. The duration of their freshness can vary based on their placement and the temperature and light in your home, but they will maintain their shape and consistency for your enjoyment.

Using Crowning Glory

Another popular way to prevent wilting and keep flowers last longer is spraying clear Crowning Glory with a fine mist (popular flower spray). This flower protection spray holds in moisture and slows deterioration/browning of fresh flowers, plants, and greens. Dries to a clear finish.

Here’s how to use it.

1. Trim your flower stems as usual.
2. Before you put them in a vase, spray the flowers all over with a fine mist of Crowning Glory.
3. Let the flowers dry completely before adding to a vase.

Using Alum to Preserve Hydrangeas- Another method

Dipping cut hydrangeas in alum is one of the most popular methods of preventing wilt. Alum can be found in the spice or baking aisle of most grocery stores.

After cutting, simply dip a small section of the hydrangea stem into the alum powder before putting the flower in a vase. It is believed that this process will help the flowers with water uptake.

Step 1: Choose the Right Time to Harvest Hydrangea Flowers

To start, select your hydrangea blooms at the right time. The best time to harvest hydrangea blooms is when they are fully mature and have started to dry on the plant. Fresh flowers that are still soft and moist may not preserve as well. Look for blooms that have a slightly papery feel to them.

Choose flowers in full bloom so you can preserve the rich color of the petals or blossoms. Pick the flowers in the morning for best results. Learn more about the hydrangea types here.

Step 2: Cut and Prepare the Stems

Using sharp garden scissors or pruning shears, cut the hydrangea blooms with a few inches of stem attached. Make sure to cut flower stems at an angle to allow for better water absorption if you plan to hydrate them before the drying process. Remove any leaves from the stems to ensure the focus is solely on the blooms.

Step 3: Hang Fresh Flowers Upside Down

Once you have your hydrangea stems prepared, it’s time to dry them. The best method is to hang fresh flowers upside down in a cool, dry place. Hanging them upside down helps maintain the shape of the blooms as they dry.

Find a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent the colors from fading. Secure the stems with a string or rubber band and hang them from a hook or a clothesline. You can also use a door hook.

After you hang the flowers upside down, let the cut flowers dry completely before spraying the flowers with hairspray.

Step 4: Apply Unscented Aerosol Hairspray to Preserve Hydrangeas

After a couple of weeks, your hydrangea blooms should be completely dry. Now, it’s time to preserve them with hairspray. Choose a non-scented hairspray with a strong hold for the best results.

Tips on Using Hairspray To Preserve Hydrangea Blooms

Spraying flowers : Hold the can about 12 inches away from the blooms and spray them evenly.

Make sure you stand at least a foot between the hairspray nozzle and the flowers to prevent damage to delicate petals. Press down on the spray nozzle and slowly move the can as you spray. Once you’ve evenly covered the entire bouquet, hang them to dry upside down, ensuring good airflow.

Apply the first coat and let it dry. Then, spray another coat and layer across the blossoms and stems. Sometimes one coat is enough.

Make sure to cover all parts of the flower to create a protective barrier. Allow the hairspray to dry completely before handling the flowers. Cover the entire flower evenly.

Step 5: Display flowers and Enjoy

Your preserved hydrangea blooms are now ready to be displayed! Arrange them in a vase, use them in wreaths, or incorporate them into other dried flower arrangements. The hairspray will help maintain their shape and color, allowing you to enjoy their beauty for months to come.

Consider preserving your wedding bouquet with this methods.

Tips for Success

• Remove all leaves: Remove the excess foliage off the stems.
• Choose mature blooms: Fresh, young flowers may not preserve well.
• Dark Location: Dry the hydrangeas in a dark location that is well ventilated spot to air dry.
• Dry thoroughly: Ensure the flowers are completely dry before applying hairspray.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Display your preserved blooms in a spot that doesn’t get direct sunlight to prevent fading. Store in a dark room.
• Handle with care: Dried flowers are delicate, so handle them gently to avoid breakage.

Other Ways to Preserve Cut Flowers

Another key tip to preserve your hydrangea blooms is simple. Air drying is one of the easiest and most common methods for preserving cut flowers, but it’s not your only option. Here are a few other ways you can preserve flowers from a beautiful bouquet:

1. Press Hydrangeas in a Book or Flower Press: This method produces flat, dried flowers that are perfect for framing as art. Simply place the flowers between the pages of a heavy book or use a flower press to achieve a beautifully preserved keepsake.
2. Dry Flowers in the Microwave Using Silica Gel: Cover the blooms in silica gel and microwave them in 30-second increments until they are dry. This technique is particularly effective at preserving the vibrant colors of the flowers compared to air drying.
3. Dry Petals Using the Oven: If you want to use just the individual petals to make potpourri, you can dry them in the oven. Spread the petals on a baking sheet and heat them until they are dry to the touch, allowing the oven to draw out the moisture.

How to Use Dried Hydrangeas as Home Decor

Dried hydrangeas bring a timeless, natural touch to your home. Here are some creative ideas to incorporate them into your decor:

1. Floral Arrangements: Arrange the flowers in vases, mixed with other dried flowers for added texture and color. Simply use hot glue to make your arrangement.
2. Wreaths: Craft wreaths with dried hydrangeas to hang on doors, mantels, or walls. Using hair spray for wreaths outdoors is helpful to keep the blooms dry.
3. Table Centerpieces: Arrange dried hydrangeas in low vases or decorative bowls, complemented with candles or small items.
4. Gift Wrapping: Tie small clusters of dried hydrangeas to gift ribbons or twine.
5. Seasonal Decor: Incorporate dried hydrangeas into autumn, Thanksgiving, or Christmas displays.
6. Decorative Bowls and Trays: Scatter dried petals or small clusters in bowls or trays for an elegant touch.
7. Garlands: String dried hydrangea blooms into garlands for mantels, railings, or windows.
8. Christmas Tree Decor: Use dried hydrangeas as ornaments for a festive and elegant tree. I have used my dry hydrangeas to decorate my tree. You will be so happy that you took the time to preserve flowers when the vibrant dried hydrangeas dress up your Christmas tree.

Enjoy the beauty of dried hydrangeas year-round, adding nature and elegance to your home.

Preserving hydrangeas with hairspray is an easy and effective way to keep their beauty alive long after the growing season ends. With a little preparation and care, you can enjoy these stunning blooms year-round. Happy preserving!

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Preserving Hydrangeas

Q1: When is the best time to cut hydrangeas for drying?

A: The best time to cut hydrangeas for drying is when they are fully mature and have started to dry on the plant, usually in late summer or early fall.

Q2: How do I dry hydrangeas?

A: Hang the hydrangeas upside down in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. This helps them retain their shape and color as they dry.

Q3: What kind of hairspray do I use to preserve hydrangeas?

A: Don’t spend money on expensive hairspray go for a inexpensive typical aerosol hairspray with a nozzle to apply to dry hydrangeas. It’s possible to preserve hydrangeas with hairspray

Q4: How long do dried hydrangeas last?

A: Dried hydrangeas can last for several months to years if kept in a dry, cool environment away from direct sunlight.

Q5: What are other methods to preserve hydrangeas?

A: Besides air drying, you can press hydrangeas in a book, use silica gel in the microwave, or dry the petals in the oven for different decorative purposes.

Q6: How should I store dried hydrangeas?

A: Store dried hydrangeas in a dry, cool place, preferably in an airtight container or wrapped in tissue paper to protect them from dust and moisture.

Q7: Will dried hydrangeas fade over time?

A: While dried hydrangeas can maintain their color for a long time, they may eventually fade, especially if exposed to direct sunlight.

Q9: Can I revive wilted hydrangeas?

A: For fresh hydrangeas that have wilted, submerge the entire bouquet in cold water to rehydrate them. This technique is not effective for dried hydrangeas.

Q10: How do I keep dried hydrangeas looking fresh?

A: To keep dried hydrangeas looking fresh, avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, and rough handling. Applying a light coat of hairspray can also help maintain their appearance.

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By following these steps, you can savor the charm of hydrangea blooms well beyond their typical lifespan. This simple yet effective method ensures your favorite flowers remain a delightful part of your home decor, providing a lasting reminder of your garden’s beauty.