Hydrangea, are one of the most popular wholesale cut flowers in the Summer for weddings, events and corporate event! They are opulent and versatile, found in a huge array of different colours and shapes.
For conditioning, an interesting fact about Hydrangea is they drink from the heads, as well as the stems. As the name comes from the Greek “hydor,” meaning water, and “angos,” meaning jar or vessel. This roughly translates to “water barrel,” referring to the hydrangea’s need for plenty of water and its cup-shaped flower.
Fresh is best
As with any flower, the fresher the flower the better, so getting a fresh cut hydrangea will mean a much longer lasting bloom. In general, the Hydrangea varieties that are grown in the commerical industry from hydrangea farms have been bred to be used as cut flowers for floral design and tend to have the best vase life. Of course, you can cut them right from your garden, if you have that option!
Caring for Hydrangea
- On receipt, cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife or scissors. Do not crush or smash the stems (usually occurs if you have blunt scissors).
- Strip the lower foliage from the stems
- Carefully remove any marked petals
- Sterilise the container / bucket and fill with clean water (room temperature)
- Submerge the entire Hydrangea in water for at least 2-6 hours or overnight (making sure the stem is in the water as well as the heads). If you do not have space, place the stems in a clean vase with water (at least 3 to 5 inches) and mist the heads.
- Never stand the Hydrangea in direct sunlight or near a heat source (i.e. radiator, heating vents or oven).
- Ideal conditions are approx. 7 to 8 degrees during the conditioning process.
- You’ll need to re-cut the stems and change the water every 2 to 3 days.
Reviving Wilted Hydrangea
Due to the type of stem, Hydrangea are prone to airblocks developing in the stem, restricting or blocking the water from reaching the heads. Also, if you have accidently left in a sunny hot spot or the stem is left out of water for a few hours, the heads can wilt.
If you follow this trick of the trade, you might be able to revive the wilted hydrangea bloom. Simply, repeat the conditioning process, cutting the stem at an angle and completely submerging the entire bloom and stem in water for a couple of hours or overnight (preferred). This will push out the airblock from the stem and allow the petals to drink readily again.
For further information on Hydrangea conditioning and explore the varieties that are available to purchase on the wholesale market, just visit our website today.