#ExpertTips #FlowerCare
Hydrangea Care: Keep Your Bouquets Beautiful for Longer
Hydrangeas, with their abundant blooms and charming beauty, are a beloved addition to any bouquet. Their voluminous flowers symbolize heartfelt emotions and make a striking statement. Here's a guide from KS Flowers on maximizing the lifespan of your hydrangea bouquets, ensuring they stay vibrant and fresh for extended enjoyment.
Choosing the Freshest Hydrangeas
Your hydrangea care journey begins the moment you select your bouquet. Here's what to look for:
- Turgid Flowers: Choose hydrangeas with firm, plump flower heads that show no signs of wilting or browning.
- Vibrant Colour: Opt for hydrangeas with rich, saturated colours and avoid any with faded or discoloured petals.
- Healthy Stems: Look for stems that are sturdy, green, and free of any signs of damage or bruising.
- Pro Tip: Always choose your hydrangeas from a reputable florist like KS Flowers, where the flowers receive expert handling and optimal freshness is guaranteed.
Hydrangea Care at Home
- Clean Vase: Wash your vase thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove any bacteria that could shorten the lifespan of your flowers.
- Fresh Cut: Trim the stems at a 45-degree angle, removing about an inch off the bottom. This helps them absorb water more easily.
- Hydration is Key: Fill your vase with cool, clean water. Hydrangeas are thirsty flowers, so top up the water frequently.
- Flower Food: Add flower food to the water. This provides essential nutrients and helps your hydrangeas last longer.
- Cool Location: Keep your hydrangea bouquet away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources. They prefer a cool and slightly shaded spot.
- Rehydrate Flower Heads: Gently mist the hydrangea blooms with water daily to keep them looking refreshed. Also, occasionally submerge the entire flower heads in a bowl of cool water for about 20–30 minutes – this provides deep hydration.
Additional Tips for Long-Lasting Hydrangeas
- Change the Water Regularly: Replace the vase water every couple of days to prevent bacteria build-up.
- Recur the Stems: Periodically re-trim the stems at an angle to maintain optimal water uptake.
- Avoid Ethylene Exposure: Ethylene gas, emitted by ripening fruits and vegetables, can speed up flower ageing. Keep your bouquet away from fruit bowls.
Fun Experiment: Change Your Hydrangea's Colour
Did you know you can influence the colour of some hydrangea blooms? With a bit of care, try these techniques:
- Pinker blooms: Dip the cut stems briefly in a solution of warm water and a pinch of baking soda.
- Bluer Blooms: Add a few drops of white vinegar or lemon juice to your vase's water. These slightly adjust the pH level.
Important Note: Colour-changing methods work primarily on certain varieties of mop-head hydrangeas.
Enjoy Your Beautiful Hydrangeas!
With proper care, your hydrangea bouquet can bring joy and elegance to your home for up to a week or even longer! Get Inspired for Your Next Event!
Delivery Options for Your Perfect Bouquet
Whether you're in the Northampton area or across the UK, KS Flowers has you covered. We offer local Northampton delivery to ensure your hydrangeas arrive at their freshest. Need your bouquet shipped nationwide? We provide reliable and careful delivery options across the country.
The KS Flowers Difference
At KS Flowers, we're passionate about bringing joy and beauty to your life through flowers. Our experienced florists hand-select the freshest blooms and expertly craft them into stunning bouquets, perfect for everyday moments or special occasions. We pride ourselves on personalised service, attention to detail, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations.
The History of Hydrangeas
- Ancient Origins: Hydrangeas have a rich history dating back millions of years. Fossil evidence suggests they existed in North America as far back as 40-65 million years ago.
- Asian Roots: The hydrangeas we know and love today primarily originated in Japan and China, where they've been cultivated for centuries and hold cultural significance.
- European Arrival: Hydrangeas weren't introduced to Europe until the 1700s, when a colonist brought a North American variety back to England.
- The Name Game: The name "hydrangea" comes from the Greek words "hydro" (water) and "angos" (jar or vessel), referencing the plant's cup-shaped flowers and thirst for water.
- Symbolism: In Japan, hydrangeas are often associated with heartfelt emotions, gratitude, and apology. Their colour-changing ability adds another layer of symbolism in some cultures.
Fun Facts of Hydrangeas
- Scientific Confusion: The name "hortensia," an older name for hydrangeas, honours French astronomer Nicole-Reine Hortense Lepaute. However, this was a misnomer, as the flower was named after her by a botanist attempting to honour her contributions.
- Royal Connections: Hydrangeas were a favourite of Emperor Qianlong during China's Qing Dynasty.
