Hydrangea: varieties, care and how to build a bouquet

A hydrangea makes a bouquet full and "expensive-looking" with a single bloom. But it has a temperamental character: it drinks water quickly and wilts just as quickly without care. At Lacy Bird we love hydrangeas for their volume, and we know how to prolong their life — here are our methods.

Hydrangea: the flower in brief

When it is in season and when to buy

Garden hydrangeas bloom from June to October, with a peak in August–September: this is when they are at their freshest and most varied. Imported ones are available almost all year round, but in autumn the local ones are larger and more vibrant. That is why the hydrangea is the star of autumn bouquets, alongside dahlias.

How to choose a fresh hydrangea

• A dense, firm bloom — the petals are not limp or dried at the edges.
• A strong stem and a clean cut — no slime, and the water in the bucket is clear.
• "Crisp" petals — on a fresh flower they feel slightly firm to the touch, not floppy.

Care: how to keep a hydrangea from wilting

A hydrangea drinks water not only through the stem but through the whole surface of the bloom. Hence the rules:

• Cut the stem at a sharp angle and put it straight into water; you can split the tip.
• Pour in plenty of water and change it daily.
• If it has wilted — submerge the whole bloom in cool water for 20–40 minutes, and the hydrangea "comes back to life".
• Keep it in a cool place, away from sunlight and fruit.

Varieties and colours

• Bigleaf — round heads; the colour depends on soil acidity, from pink to light blue.
• Panicle — cone-shaped blooms, from white to pinkish green.
• Smooth ("Annabelle") — large white-green globes.

True blue and light blue are rare among flowers, which makes the hydrangea indispensable when a cool shade is needed.

What to pair it with in a bouquet

The hydrangea is an ideal "base": one or two blooms give volume, while accents are added by dahlias, roses, peonies or lisianthus. In autumn, hydrangea with dahlias is our favourite seasonal pairing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a hydrangea last in a vase?

With proper care, a hydrangea lasts 3–7 days. It is sensitive to moisture: it loves plenty of water and a daily change. If it has wilted, submerging the bloom in cool water often revives it.

Why does a hydrangea wilt quickly, and how can it be revived?

A hydrangea loses moisture through the whole surface of the bloom, so it dehydrates faster than other flowers. To revive it: cut the stem at an angle, fully submerge the bloom in cool water for 20–40 minutes, then place it in a vase with a large volume of water.

What colours do hydrangeas come in?

White, green, pink, light blue, blue and burgundy. For garden bigleaf hydrangeas the shade depends on soil acidity: in acidic soil they turn bluer, in alkaline soil pinker. True blue is rare among flowers, so a hydrangea is chosen when a cool tone is needed.

When is hydrangea season?

Garden hydrangeas bloom from June to October, with a peak in August and September. Imported ones are available almost all year round, but in autumn the local ones are larger and fresher.

What should I pair a hydrangea with?

With roses, dahlias, peonies, lisianthus and greenery. One or two blooms give volume to the whole bouquet, and the rest work as accents. In autumn, hydrangea with dahlias is especially lovely.

Can a hydrangea be dried?

Yes, the hydrangea is one of the best flowers for drying: let it dry slowly in a vase with a little water, and the bloom will keep its shape for months.

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