Great Tip for Making Cut Hydrangeas Last Longer

One of my favorite things about summer is being able to go out into my garden and cut fresh flowers.  I have a half-dozen hydrangea bushes on the side of my home that bloom profusely.  They are ideal for cutting and enjoying indoors.  The trick is knowing how to make them last.

Why Do Cut Hydrangeas Wilt So Quickly?

When I first started to bring my cut hydrangeas indoors, I was so disappointed that they would wilt so quickly.   I did some research and came across this great tip.  First I learned that when I cut the hydrangea, the sap from the stem would seal off and therefore the stem couldn’t absorb the water.

3 Easy Steps to Make Your Cut Hydrangeas Last Longer

I discovered that by dipping the fresh-cut stem of the hydrangea in boiling water for thirty seconds and then immediately immersing it into a vase filled with cool water did the trick.

The hot water prevents the sap from sealing off the stem.  Just be sure to check your water level daily and add fresh water as needed.

1.  Add boiling water to a coffee cup

2.  Place fresh-cut hydrangea stem into hot water for 30 seconds

3.  Immediately place in vase with fresh cool water 

Changing the Color of Your Hydrangeas

My hydrangea shrubs are from the Endless Summer Collection.   They not only bloom all summer long, I can also choose whether I want them to be pink or blue by adding minerals to the soil.  For information on how to do this, click here.

Tip on How to Clean Glass Vases

Since this post is on flowers, I wanted to share one more tip with you.

Glass vases can be very difficult to clean, especially when they have narrow opening such as the vases above.

My tip on cleaning vases is to use denture cleaning tablets.  Put one tablet in each vase, add warm water and let them sit according to package directions.  The tablets dissolve and fizz and will clean the residue in those hard to reach places.

What is your favorite summer flower to cut from your garden?  Please share in the comments below.