Reviving a Wilted Hydrangea

I had NO IDEA Hydrangeas could be revived from their droopy, sad state.  Did you?

When my kitchen was recently photographed for a local Design magazine, I splurged and purchased many gorgeous hydrangeas for the photoshoot (photos from the shoot will be revealed soon!).  After spending quite a few hours styling the flowers and the kitchen, I woke the next morning to find the hydrangea in a devastating droopy state.  Lucky for me, I had a few hydrangea bushes in the landscape so I quickly grabbed some clippings and replaced the droopy blooms.  The editor of the magazine saw my distress and asked if I had soaked the blooms overnight.  I obviously had no idea what she was talking about.  She shared her secret with me and now I'm sharing that secret with you!

Step One:  Snip off about 1 inch of the stem, at an angle

Step 2:  Completely immerse the bloom in cool water (can be a large dish, sink, or even a bathtub) I added a scoop of ice to my water to get it cool.

Step 3:  Wait several hours or overnight and your bloom will miraculously be lush and gorgeous!

Voila!!  Your hydrangea is full and beautiful again!

I've read about Alum spice being used to keep Hydrangea fresh and dipping the stem into boiling water, but haven't tried either of these techniques.  I typically just change the water every few days and snip the ends for hydrangeas that last quite a long time.

Do you have a secret for keeping Hydrangeas, or any other flowers for that matter, lasting longer?  I'd love to hear your tips and tricks!!

xox,

Emily