INTERIOR PLANT DESIGN
Hydrangea
Cut flowers from your garden
- yes it is
that time of year when things are in
bloom.
Ever wonder why those flowers you cut
from the garden today wilted or
shattered by the next day? Time of day,
the stage of the flower's development
and temperature all play a role in the
longevity of your flowers as a cut
flower. This time of year our gardens
are filled with hydrangeas and if cut
and cared for properly this
temperamental flower can be enjoyed
indoors as well.
Hydrangea have woody stems a factor that
affects this flower's water absorption
ability compared to other fresh flowers
and as the name indicates this flower
requires good hydration. We have all
seen wilted hydrangea in the garden when
they have been subject to a very hot
day. To counter this problem in this
cut flower there are a few steps you can
follow.
When to cut your flowers from your
garden?
It is best to cut flowers very early in
the morning. Do you hear the birds
chirping? Well it is time to hit the
garden. You want to cut your heads when
they are still cool and the dew is still
on them.
Ready to cut- not yet. Make sure to wash
all your tools, buckets and vases with
bleach to reduce bacteria. Have a bucket
of cool water out in the garden with you
and place stems immediately after
cutting in water ensuing the entire stem
is in water.
Cut my flowers, now what?
Once you bring your flowers in leave the
hydrangeas in water for at least 4 to 6
hours.
Bath Time:
Prior to arranging your hydrangeas it is
preferable to soak the entire flower
head and stem in a warm bath of water
for 20 minutes after removing all
foliage. So fill up your bath tub with
enough water to cover the flower head
fully and submerge. You may need to way
down the stems to keep your flower head
and stems under water.
Remember to
remove the leaves as the leaves of this
flower will absorb water away from the
flower head and encourage premature
wilting.
Prepare your vase with flower food .
Re-cut the stem underwater to prevent
air from entering the stem and hindering
your flowers from drinking the water
they need. Change your water daily to
help prolong the life of your cut
hydrangeas.
Have fun with your flowers and enjoy
them, don't be afraid to steal some
beauty from your garden to enjoy inside
- don't worry they will be back next year
to see again.