What is the best way to cut a hydrangea for an inside vase?

Many people grow and appreciate hydrangeas for their large, showy flowers that bloom late and last several weeks before beginning to wane. One does not, however, necessarily have to bid farewell to the loveliness of these blue, lavender, pink or white displays. On the contrary, if they are cut at just the right time, they will last several years indoors without having to fuss with any preservation techniques at all.





The key to having dried hydrangea arrangements in a home with little or no effort is to pick the blooms at just the point when they first begin to lose some color but before the blooms dry on the bush. They will still appear lush and will show some green within the original color of the blooms.





After they have been cut, just pop them into any decorator container or vase and enjoy. Do not add water or any liquid. As they continue to lose moisture, they will retain their color and shape for a long time. Eventually, the green tones will fade to an antique color and finally turn brown. But by then, you will have produced several more crops of hydrangeas to use as replacements.

What is the best way to cut a hydrangea for an inside vase?
We have several hydrangea shrubs in the garden, never thought of cutting them for inside vases mainly, because the flowers would droop quite quickly. same with peonies.
Reply:try Yahoo gardenmessenger group they can help you also they have a great web-site at http://www.gardenmessenger.net/
Reply:Cut it about 12" long.


Once inside cut about an inch from the bottom at an angle while holding it under running water.


Put cool water in your vase an drop a single aspirin in. Disolve the aspirin and stir it up.


Then put your hydrangea in.





(The aspirin is to reduce the shock to the flower and helps the bloom to last longer)... works for lots of cut flowers.