This complex flower has become very popular as a cut flower as well as a garden plant. It is easy to see why. The colors are great, they last along time, can easily be dried, and they are the perfect flower to use either in a vase by themselves or a filler with others. They are blooming profusely in area gardens through the summer. Experienced gardeners know that the color of the blossoms can be altered by changing the ph of the soil. The more acidic the soil the more blue; the more alkaline the more pink with cream in the middle for neutral ph soil. Even without any additives, the flower colors change as it matures. When left on the plant, the blooms change to very muted tones touched with grey. But what about the proper care for your hydrangea plants? They can be cut and brought indoors at any point. It is important to always use a clean vase, take off any foliage that would be below the water line and add a food like Floralife. The ideal system is to change the water every two or three days.
The flowers will dry naturally by just hanging them upside down in a dry area like the basement or garage. Even those that are put in water will dry and after removing all the leaves can be kept in a dry vase or even laid out for decoration in areas like a mantle for months.
Hydrangeas are a great flower to use in a vase as a base. After putting enough stems in the vase to have the flowers cover the opening of the vase, other thin stemmed flowers like roses or zinnias can be placed between the florets. Dried hydrangeas can be glued on wreaths or pieces of cloth for a decorative accessory.
For those who either don't have garden hydrangeas to cut, or prefer to leave the flowers on the plants to beautify the outdoors of their homes, hydrangeas are in plentiful supply in flower shops and markets. When making a purchase, be sure you are buying from someone you trust. Select only those stems where the flowers are perky and firm. There should not be any dry edges and the stems should be firm and healthy looking. Hydrangeas look great with lilies and roses. For a smaller bouquet, add spray roses or alstromeria through the center of the flower. The wonderful thing about hydrangeas and really all flowers is that you can't make a mistake. The beauty is there and all you need to do is combine them with anything else that you like.
