GO-GETTERS
Hydrangeas are go-getters; with long-lasting blues, violets, whites and pinks, hydrangeas are definitely head turners. While these summer-flowering shrubs are reliable and continue their season long after their perennial friends have hit their peak, hydrangeas actually become very delicate once cut. I like to believe they are “grounded” flowers – they love their roots and thrive in their natural element, but once removed, they tend to miss “home”. Ok, sappy, but in so many ways I am serious!
DELICATE BLOOMS
Since I have been focusing on flowers that tend to have long vase lives, I wanted to switch gears and draw attention to the other side of the spectrum. Have you ever tried to gift a hydrangea bloom only to have it wilt within an hour or two of purchasing or cutting the beautiful bloom? I am no florist, but in my experience hydrangeas produce a sticky substance after being cut. This substance clogs the stem, preventing water from reaching the bloom. We all know flowers love water, so when this need is not being met, hydrangeas are left to pitifully wilt.
GOOD NEWS
Since these blooms are so very delicate, we do not carry them on the trucks. I did, however, look into this and learned that there are ways to slow the wilting process down. Even though this discovery is enlightening and wonderful, we still won’t be carrying them on the trucks – womp, womp – but I am providing this information in hopes that you will still be able to enjoy the hydrangeas you find or purchase elsewhere! This is definitely a bloom worth admiring.
Here is what I have gathered if you’re looking to extend the vase life and enjoy these near perfect blooms a little longer;
How to make your hydrangeas last longer:
- Add sugar to room temperature water - even flowers have a sweet tooth.
- Add soap to room temperature water in the vase – soap keeps the bacteria away!
- Remove the leaves – helps reduce the bacteria.
- Dip stems in boiling water – this prevents that sticky substance from blocking the stem.
- Change water every two days and give stems a new cut.
xx Mattie