If you have been following me for a while you will know how much I love my huge Hydrangea paniculata “Limelight” bushes and all the uses I put the dried flowers to.
Here are my recently updated instructions for drying some for yourself.
The first step is to pick the hydrangea flowers at the correct stage. You need to wait until the flower heads start to change from white to slightly coloured. I only have Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ in my garden so it is those I am mainly talking about although these methods do apply to other types.
Note that the middle of the bracts (what we usually think of as the flowers) are still intact
Here you can see the blooms are starting to change colour and texture and the middle of each bract is starting to dry and fall off.
If you brush or gently shake them they should not be shedding too many ‘bits’ as these should have fallen off. The blooms should feel slightly firm and the longer you wait before cutting the darker the colour will be.
If you pick them too early they will dry like this and not be so attractive!
Once the flowers are at the correct stage for picking choose a dry day and start after any dew has dried off the flowers. Cut just above where the leaves join the stem. I often cut right back to a larger branch. Then strip off most of the leaves before continuing with your preferred drying method.
It is worth trying all of these to see which works best for you.
Different Drying Methods
I use the following methods for drying –
1) In a Vase
Pick and place into a vase with about 2 inches of water and do not top it up. Always cut the stems on a 45 degree angle so there is a larger surface to take up the water. You can also split the ends of any thick stems. Place the vase out of direct sunlight and enjoy them while they dry out. Useful for straight strong stems.
2) Hanging to Dry
Cut and gather stems together. Use an elastic band or tie them and hang upside down in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. Check on them frequently and adjust bunch if necessary so they dry evenly.
3) In a Basket or Box
For smaller heads with delicate stems I place them into a basket or box and leave to dry. It is also these smaller ones that I would use fresh to add to a wreath and allow them to dry in place.
Once they are dry I tie them in bunches and hang them in my basement or just leave them in empty dry buckets until I want to use them.
Ways I use Dried Hydrangea Heads
Here are some of the ways to use dried hydrangea blooms –
On their own in a vase, mixed in a dried bouquet, on a dried wreath, part of a flower ‘cloud’ or on their own in my ‘hydrangea disco ball’.
I also use broken heads stuffed in containers or vases as a base for dried arrangements and loose petals in dried flower confetti. Nothing goes to waste and any unusable broken heads go to Zoe’s Corner where she uses them as part of her eco friendly packaging!
Here the dried heads provide pretty packaging for Zoe’s Corner gift boxes
I am happy to answer any questions you might have about drying hydrangea blooms. Let me know if you try any of these drying methods or if you have a favourite way to dry and use hydrangea heads!
If you are in Ottawa and do not have access to a hydrangea bush you can purchase some from me and try drying them yourself. Just get in touch to arrange pick up.
Thank you for you continued support for my little dried flower business!
Rosalind's Garden Blooms 
I wish I had some hydrangea in my garden to dry / but really interesting how you dry and use them for so many different things!
You could see if you can get some from friends or neighbours! Or a project for garden club maybe?
that’s a good idea , thank you .