Professional Florist Guide to Hydrangea Care
Hydrangeas are among the most versatile and beloved flowers in professional floristry. Their full, rounded blooms and range of colors make them ideal for everything from wedding arrangements to sympathy pieces. This comprehensive guide covers selection, conditioning, care, and creative applications for optimal results.
Hydrangea Varieties for Florists
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf/Mophead)
Characteristics: Large, globe-shaped flower heads with papery petals
Colors: Pink, blue, purple, white, green, burgundy
Vase life: 5-8 days with proper care
Best uses: Centerpieces, bridal bouquets, large arrangements
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle)
Characteristics: Cone-shaped clusters, more structured appearance
Colors: White aging to pink, green tones
Vase life: 7-10 days
Best uses: Mixed arrangements, textural elements
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth/Annabelle)
Characteristics: Large, flat-topped clusters
Colors: White, sometimes pale green
Vase life: 4-6 days
Best uses: Garden-style arrangements, rustic designs
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf)
Characteristics: Elongated panicles, distinctive foliage
Colors: White aging to pink or burgundy
Vase life: 6-8 days
Best uses: Textural accents, fall arrangements
Selection and Purchasing
Quality Indicators
Firm, full flower heads without wilting or browning edges
Strong, sturdy stems that aren't hollow or damaged
Fresh foliage that's not yellowing or drooping
Proper hydration - flowers should feel substantial, not papery
Seasonal Availability
Peak season: June through September
Limited availability: October through May (higher prices)
Color variations: Some colors more available seasonally
Storage Upon Arrival
Unpack immediately upon delivery
Cut stems under running water at 45-degree angle
Place in deep, cool water (65-70°F)
Store in cooler at 36-40°F if not using immediately
Conditioning Process
Initial Preparation
Recut stems under running water, removing 1-2 inches
Use sharp, clean tools to prevent bacterial contamination
Cut at 45-degree angle to maximize water uptake surface
Remove lower leaves that would sit below waterline
Advanced Conditioning Techniques
Stem splitting: For thick stems, make small vertical cuts to increase surface area
Boiling water treatment: Dip stems in boiling water for 10 seconds, then plunge into cold water
Alcohol treatment: Brief stem dip in rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria
Commercial conditioning solutions: Use professional floral preservatives
Hydration Recovery
For wilted hydrangeas:
Submerge entire flower head in lukewarm water for 30 minutes
Recut stems under water
Place in deep, cool water with floral preservative
Allow 2-4 hours for full recovery
Daily Care and Maintenance
Water Management
Check water levels twice daily - hydrangeas are heavy drinkers
Refresh water every 2-3 days with clean, lukewarm water
Add floral preservative with each water change
Mist flower heads lightly in dry environments
Environmental Factors
Temperature: Keep between 65-70°F for optimal vase life
Humidity: Maintain 60-70% relative humidity when possible
Air circulation: Gentle air movement prevents stagnation
Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Drooping: Usually water uptake issues - recut stems and deep hydrate
Browning edges: Too warm, direct sun, or age - trim affected areas
Short vase life: Poor initial conditioning or bacterial contamination
Design Applications and Techniques
Bridal Work
Bouquet construction: Wire individual florets for flexibility
Color coordination: Consider dress color and venue lighting
Durability: Use floral foam for longer ceremonies
Size considerations: Full heads may be too large for petite brides
Event Centerpieces
Scale appropriately for table size and guest count
Combine with complementary flowers like roses or peonies
Use varying heights for visual interest
Consider container weight when using multiple large heads
Sympathy and Funeral Work
Traditional colors: White and soft pastels most appropriate
Longevity: Choose freshest stock for extended display
Religious considerations: Check cultural preferences
Presentation: Often used in casket sprays and standing arrangements
Color Theory and Coordination
Natural Color Variations
Soil pH affects color in living plants (acidic = blue, alkaline = pink)
Cut flowers maintain their harvested color
Aging process: Many varieties deepen or change hue over time
Complementary Pairings
Pink hydrangeas: Cream roses, white stock, dusty miller
Blue hydrangeas: White flowers, silver foliage, soft yellows
White hydrangeas: Any color palette, particularly elegant with greenery
Purple hydrangeas: White flowers, silver accents, deep burgundy
Preservation and Special Techniques
Air Drying
Harvest at peak bloom before full maturity
Remove foliage and hang upside down in dry, dark space
Allow 2-3 weeks for complete drying
Colors will fade but structure remains
Glycerin Preservation
Mix 1 part glycerin with 2 parts warm water
Place fresh stems in solution for 3-5 days
Flowers retain flexibility and some color
Ideal for long-term displays
Pressing
Select individual florets or small clusters
Press between absorbent paper for 2-3 weeks
Use for crafts, cards, or decorative elements
Cost Management and Waste Reduction
Maximizing Value
Use every part: Separate large heads into smaller clusters
Repurpose daily: Move from premium arrangements to less critical uses
Condition properly: Extends usable life significantly
Plan purchases: Order based on confirmed events to reduce waste
Secondary Uses
Petals only: Use for aisle runners or table scatter
Shorter stems: Perfect for low arrangements or boutonnieres
Aged flowers: Beautiful in rustic or garden-style designs
Safety and Handling
Personal Protection
Wear gloves when handling extensively (some people develop sensitivity)
Use proper lifting techniques for large arrangements
Sharp tool safety when cutting thick stems
Customer Education
Care instructions: Provide written care cards
Realistic expectations: Explain natural vase life
Handling advice: Teach proper transportation and display
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Peak Season
Abundant variety and colors available
Lower costs due to local availability
Heat sensitivity requires careful handling and storage
Off-Season Sourcing
Import considerations: Higher costs, shorter vase life
Alternative varieties: Consider preserved or silk options
Plan ahead: Book special orders well in advance
Holiday Applications
Mother's Day: Extremely popular, order early
Wedding season: June-September peak demand
Fall arrangements: Incorporate changing foliage colors
Winter holidays: White varieties for elegant seasonal designs
Professional Tips and Best Practices
Workshop Efficiency
Batch processing: Condition all hydrangeas at once
Proper tools: Invest in quality stem cutters for thick stems
Organization: Sort by color and size upon arrival
Documentation: Track variety performance and customer preferences
Customer Satisfaction
Set expectations: Explain natural characteristics and care needs
Provide value: Demonstrate proper conditioning and arrangement
Follow up: Check satisfaction and address any concerns
Education: Teach customers to extend vase life at home
Vendor Relationships
Communicate needs: Specify desired varieties, colors, and quality standards
Seasonal planning: Discuss availability and pricing trends
Quality feedback: Report issues to maintain supply standards
Alternative sourcing: Develop backup suppliers for peak demand periods
Mastering hydrangea care and application is essential for any professional florist. These stunning flowers offer incredible versatility when properly handled and conditioned. By following these comprehensive guidelines, florists can maximize both the beauty and longevity of hydrangeas in their designs while building customer satisfaction and business success.
Remember that each variety has unique characteristics, and experience will teach you the subtle differences that separate good floral work from exceptional artistry. The investment in proper care and handling techniques pays dividends in customer loyalty and professional reputation.
