Smooth Hydrangeas (often called Mophead or Snowball Hydrangeas) are famous for those stunning, oversized flower clusters that look just like fluffy floral globes. The best part? If you dry them properly, you can use them as gorgeous indoor decor or in everlasting dried bouquets. Here’s the lowdown on how to keep your Hydrangeas happy and how to preserve those beautiful blooms.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Hydrangea
Those round flower heads only reach their full potential if they’re living in the right spot. First things first: make sure your Hydrangea isn’t stuck in harsh, direct sunlight all day, and ensure it has plenty of moisture in the soil. Ideally, you’ll want to plant them in well-draining soil. This helps you avoid “wet feet” (standing water), which can lead to root rot.
The soil’s pH level is another big factor. Hydrangeas love acidic soil. To give them exactly what they need, you can mix in some specialized hydrangea soil, or even azalea or rhododendron mix. When you’re ready for planting your Hydrangea, just make sure you give them plenty of space to breathe.
Care and Pruning Tips
One of the best things about Smooth Hydrangeas is that they can handle a heavy pruning. Unlike some other varieties, these beauties bloom on “new wood” (fresh growth) rather than old wood. This means you should give them a good pruning in the spring to encourage new growth. You can also harvest those round blooms throughout the flowering season to dry them out.
How to Cut Your Blooms for Drying:
- Wait for a dry day in August.
- Grab a pair of sharp, clean garden shears.
- Pick out the prettiest flowers and cut them with about 8 inches (20cm) of stem.
- Make sure to cut the stem at a sharp angle.
- Strip off the leaves so you’re left with just the clean stem and the flower head.
Now, grab a vase and fill it with a little water. Place your cut hydrangea in the vase so that about 4 inches (10cm) of the stem is submerged. Here’s the trick: don’t refill the water! Just let it naturally evaporate while the flowers dry out. Once they’re crisp, you’ll have perfect dried hydrangeas to use for home decor or floral arrangements.
