Common Name: Hydrangea
Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla
In Season/Availability: Summer through to autumn
Description: A deciduous shrub growing up to 2m tall by 2.5m wide. Flowers appear in a range of colours from pink through blue, white and green and flower colour is often influenced by soil acidity. There are many cultivated varieties of hydrangea including large leaved, lace cap, french, and many more with new hybrids entering the market from time to time. Hydrangea flowers are actually an inflorescence, with the flower head being comprised of many small blooms. Without treatment to extend life Hydrangea flowers and foliage will often wilt within only one or two days.
Technique to Prolong flowers: Cut in water and then dip the cut end of the flower into burnt alum powder before placing into your arrangement. This treatment is only suitable for arrangements that use pottery or ceramic containers as the burnt alum powder may cause the water to become slightly cloudy. If arranging in glass dip the cut stem into white vinegar for about 10-20 seconds after cutting and then place into your arrangement. If working with hydrangeas that have sat for some time before you purchased them or have been out of water for a period you can fully submerge the flower in water overnight and then follow the other instructions in terms of preservation prior to arranging.
Long Term Preservation: Hydrangea can be dried by hanging the cut flower upside down in a cool dark place with good ventilation. Hydrangea is also available to purchase dried, preserved and bleached or coloured. This is achieved through industrial processes and involves the use of chemical treatments. Treated flowers carry the scent of the preservatives (which can be quite strong) and may not be suited for use in arrangements where people are likely to be close by.