How to Dry Hydrangea Blooms for Home Decor: 5 Simple Strategies

What if I told you that you could enjoy your hydrangeas long after the growing season winds down, no matter the time of year? Drying hydrangeas is one of my favorite ways to stretch the season just a little longer. Their faded tones and papery petals bring such a pretty, vintage vibe to any space.

Whether you’re styling a shelf, making a handmade wreath, or simply want to keep those gorgeous blooms around a bit longer, dried hydrangeas are an easy (and beautiful!) way to bring a little garden charm indoors.

Here are five simple methods for drying hydrangeas so you can enjoy their timeless beauty in your home all year long.

dried hydrangeas in a wooden dough bowl

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5 Simple Ways to Dry Hydrangeas

dried hydrangeas in a farm sink

Hydrangeas are showstoppers in the garden, but they’re just as gorgeous when dried, sometimes even more so. As the season winds down, their bright colors fade into soft, muted tones with a gorgeous antique feel. It’s like they take on a whole new personality!

Whether you’re going for a cozy fall look or adding a soft touch to spring decor, dried hydrangeas always fit in. Here are 5 easy ways to dry hydrangeas for your home.

How to Start the Drying Process for Every Method

dried hydrangeas in galvanized bucket

Wait to start all the drying methods until the hydrangea blooms are mature but not completely dried out. The best time to do this is usually towards the end of the growing season, typically in late summer or early autumn.

Depending on where you live and the type of hydrangea you have in your garden, the timeline for drying can be anywhere from late summer to early autumn.

Gently examine the blooms and choose the ones that:

  • feel slightly dry to the touch
  • have a papery feel to them
  • have started to change color
  • the heads on the flowers start to take on a vintage look
  • avoid picking blooms that are still too fresh as they won’t dry well.

1. Drying Hydrangeas in a Vase or Container of Water (The Lazy Gardener’s Favorite)

hydrangeas in the garden at the end of the season

This is my go-to method, mainly because it’s so easy and gives you beautiful, long-lasting blooms with preserved color.

Steps for Drying Hydrangeas in a Vase

  • Step 1—Cut hydrangea stems in the cool morning hours. Use sharp pruners and snip the stems at an angle.
  • Step 2—Remove the leaves (they drink a ton of water and can cause wilting).
  • Step 3—Place stems in a vase with about 2–3 inches of water.
  • Step 4—Let the water evaporate naturally over 2–3 weeks. If it dries up too fast, add just a little more.
  • Step 5—Keep the vase out of direct sunlight so the colors don’t fade.

The result? Hydrangeas with more vibrant colors and stronger petals than air-dried versions.

2. Air Drying Upside Down ( great for Bunches or Crafting

hydrangeas just harvested to start the drying process

If you’re making a wreath or want a more rustic look, this is a great option.

Steps for Air Drying Hydrangeas

  • Step 1—Choose blooms that are slightly papery and changing color.
  • Step 2—Cut stems about 12–18 inches long and remove the leaves.
  • Step 3—Gather into small bunches and secure with string or a rubber band.
  • Step 4—Hang them upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated spot (think closet or attic corner).
  • Step 5—Let them dry for 2–3 weeks until they’re crisp to the touch.

This method works well if you’re drying a large quantity at once and don’t need the colors to remain extremely vibrant.

3. Silica Gel Method (Best for Preserving Fresh Colors)

dried hydrangeas in a tall basket

If you’ve got freshly cut blooms and want to keep that just-picked look, silica gel is your friend.

hydrangeas in farm sink

Steps for Drying Hydrangeas With Silica Gel

  • Step 1—Cut fresh hydrangeas and remove the leaves.
    Trim stems short enough to fit in your container.
  • Step 2—Add a layer of silica gel to the bottom of the container.
  • Step 3—Gently place the blooms face-up and cover completely with more silica gel.
  • Step 4—Seal the container and leave it for 3–5 days.
  • Step 5—Carefully remove the flowers once fully dried.

This method is ideal for preserving pastel colors or full-petal blooms you plan to use in more delicate arrangements.

4. Drying Hydrangeas Naturally on the Bush

dried hydrangeas in a vase

If you’re like me and sometimes forget to cut your flowers on time (oops!), nature can still do the work for you.

Leave hydrangeas on the bush until they start to feel papery and take on that vintage look. Just don’t wait too long—once they turn brown, they’ve missed their moment.

Cut and bring them inside before the weather turns wet and windy.

5. Hairspray Method (Extra Insurance)

harvested hydrangeas on the outdoor table

Hairspray creates a protective barrier that helps the hydrangeas retain their colors and prevents them from drying out too quickly. This simple method allows you to enjoy your beautiful dried hydrangeas for an extended period.

This trick helps hydrangeas hold their shape and resist crumbling over time.

Steps for Drying Hydrangeas With Hairspray

  • Step 1—Once your blooms are fully dry, either in a vase or hanging, give them a light spray from about 12 inches away.
  • Step 2—Turn the flowers gently and spray all sides.
  • Step 3—Let the hairspray dry completely before handling or arranging.

This adds a little extra support, especially if you’re using them in wreaths or garlands.

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Pro Tips for Drying Hydrangea Blooms

The Best Time to Cut Hydrangeas for Drying

Dried hydrangeas on table

Timing is everything when it comes to drying hydrangeas. You want to wait until the blooms are mature, usually late summer or early fall, depending on your climate and the type of hydrangea.

Here in the Pacific Northwest (zone 8b), I usually start harvesting hydrangeas in late August when the blooms:

  • Feel a bit dry or papery to the touch
  • Have started to change color (greenish-pink, dusty rose, or faded blue—depending on the variety)
  • Look less perky and more vintage

Avoid cutting blooms that are too fresh or saturated with water (like after rain or in the early morning with dew), as they tend to wilt rather than dry.

How to Dry Hydrangeas and Keep Their Color

hydrangeas in galvanized bucket

When it comes to drying, a little patience goes a long way. If you want to keep those beautiful colors intact, it’s all about timing and giving the blooms the right environment.

Cut your hydrangeas too early, and they’ll still be holding too much moisture, which usually leads to shriveled petals instead of pretty dried flowers. Try not to cut them right after it rains or when they’re still covered in morning dew.

For the best results, snip the blooms when they’ve reached their peak color and feel slightly papery. Strip off the extra leaves and place them somewhere dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight. In about two to three weeks, you’ll have beautifully preserved blooms ready for decorating.

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    How to Preserve Dried Hydrangeas

    dried hydrangeas in a wooden dough bowl on coffee table at Christmas

    To preserve dried hydrangeas, store them in a dry, dark environment away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Handle them gently, remove dust regularly, and consider using a floral spray or hairspray for extra protection.

    How Long Do Dried Hydrangeas Last?

    dried hydrangeas in a galvanized bucket

    With gentle care, dried hydrangeas can last from several months to a few years. The biggest factors are how they were dried and where they’re displayed.

    • Store them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
    • Keep them cool and dry—humidity is not their friend.
    • Use a floral sealant or hairspray if you plan to display them long-term.

    What to Do With Dried Hydrangeas

    Christmas tree decorated with dried hydrangeas

    Dried hydrangeas are the gift that keeps on giving. Here are just a few ways to enjoy them:

    Use Dried Hydrangeas For…
    • Add to a vase or crock for a simple display
    • Create a dried floral wreath for any season
    • Use for DIY craft projects
    • Tuck them into tablescapes for extra texture
    • Decorate your Christmas tree with them
    • Incorporate them into topiaries or garlands
    • Style them on your mantel or entryway
    • Even use them as ornaments on your holiday tree (yes, it’s a thing—and it’s gorgeous)
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    Final Thoughts for Drying Hydrangeas

    colorful hydrangeas in sink after cutting

    No matter how you choose to dry your hydrangeas, whether you go for low-maintenance vase drying or get fancy with silica gel, the key is picking the blooms at just the right moment and providing them the right conditions to dry.

    Hydrangeas bring so much joy to the garden, and now you can enjoy them long after the growing season ends. Whether it’s a simple bouquet on your nightstand or a handmade wreath on your front door, there’s nothing like bringing a little piece of your garden indoors.

    If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with a fellow gardener who’s also looking to enjoy their blooms year-round. And I’d love to hear about your favorite method or see your dried hydrangea creations in the comments!

    Until next time,

    Happy Hydrangea Drying!

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    33 Comments

    1. hi Kim, thank you for all the details in your article. very helpful. Can you share some of the varieties that work well for you to dry. I planted Sister Therese which is white in bloom, but turns green when ready to pock for drying. Would love to plant some that are blush and white when ready to pick and some that you like that are in the blue and purple family. Thank you.

      Reply

      1. Hi Mindy! Thank you for your comment. My very favorite variety of hydrangeas to dry are panicles. My strawberry shake shrub has the most amazing colors in the fall, the blush and cream mixes. The flower heads are white at the beginning of the season. Although I don’t have a limelight shrub, I’ve seen how beautiful they can be. As much as I like mopheads and the beautiful colors of the blues and purples, they don’t seem to give the vibrant colors that the panicles do. And they seem stronger and last longer.
        If you have any other questions, let me know or email me at kim@shiplapandshells.com

        Reply

    2. I have ALWAYS wanted to know how to do this, Kim! I adore hydrangeas and even though ours last a good while I’m always bummed when the season is over. We still have a few blooms left so I’m excited to try your technique and see if I can extend their beauty just a bit. Thanks so much for putting this together. I can’t wait to share it on Friday! Hugs, CoCo

      Reply

    3. I love this post. I am new to hydrangeas this year and your post is going to be so helpful!! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

    5. Kim, your extra details regarding just when to cut the stems for drying are very informative. I have had luck with both methods 2 and 3. For #2, I have just been putting the stems in 1 inch of water. Glad to hear you say 2 too 3 inches. This helps knowing I don’t need to be so precise. This year I briefly soaked the entire cutting (flower head and stem) in an insecticidal soap to make sure I was not introducing aphids, mites or other pest to my building where I am drying. I am anxious to see if the quick soak hampers drying.

      Reply

    6. Love all these lovely hydrangea photos! I waited too long to cut my hydrangeas so they are brown, but I am still going to use them in fall decor. I only have old fashioned Annabelle hydrangeas. I love all your different blooms!

      Reply

    7. Kim, I am so glad I found you!!!! I’m your neighbor and love gardening blogs that are in my zone! I have several hydrangeas and love to dry them and so excited to see these methods. I have so many questions about all these different types, when to cut, how to cut back etc. This is a huge help. Thanks and so excited to catch up on all your posts, I’m on Henderson Bay just your side of the Purdy Spit. I am fairly new to gardening, I really get such joy out of all your pictures. Thank you for sharing new friend!
      Kathy

      Reply

      1. Hi Kathy! So nice to meet you. I love connecting with neighbors in the area. I really appreciate you following along. If there’s a certain topic you would like to know more about and don’t see here, let me know. I don’t always have the answers but love to get more ideas about what people are wanting on the blog. Have a great holiday weekend!

        Reply

    9. I need help with my hydrangeas. They simply don’t bloom! This year, I believe it was because my husband pruned them in the very early spring, and maybe this variety only blooms on old wood? However, even in years when I have left them un-pruned, they just barely flower. They are in an East facing flower bed. The plants look amazing, super green and healthy…just no flowers! I love hydrangeas, they are my favorite!

      Reply

    10. My hydrangeas seem to bloom heavier on alternate years. THIS is not the year!!!! One year when mine were almost dry, I went out to the bush and s lightly spray painted them gold and copper! It worked well! Easier than trying to find a place to paint them. Some day my sister-in-law across the street is gonna have the men in the little white coats come drop a net on me. Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland where they paiinted the roses red.

      Reply

      1. That is awesome! Not about this not being the “good” year for your hydrangeas, but the fact that you go out and paint your hydrangeas. Very impressive for sure!

        Reply

    11. Kim,
      Thanks for these great tips! I’ve successfully dried hydrangeas and never knew what I did right. Now I know how to do it correctly every time. Thanks so much!
      Rachel.

      Reply

    13. I really want to try this. Since I have a brown thumb, will it work to use the cut hydrangeas from the grocery store? That’s the only place around here where I can get some. Also, how do you keep them from falling apart once they are dried? Do they fall apart/crumble? Thanks! Pinned.

      Reply

      1. I was actually stumped when you asked about flowers from the grocery store. I even searched the internet and couldn’t find anything on this. What I can say is that hydrangeas do best when drying them after they have begun to fade and turn papery. So if you see those characteristics, then I would at least try. And I would spray hairspray on the hydrangea heads to keep them from crumbling. Thank you for pinning!

        Reply

    14. I kept waiting on my hydrangeas, because they were so beautiful, but I waited too long. They are brown now. Since brown is a color of fall in the Northeast, I plan to cut them and use their beauty somehow. Next year with your expertise I won’t be so shy. Mine are osk leaf hydrangeas. Thank you for your lovely posts.

      Reply

      2. Thank you for visiting Kooki! I still have the same problem as well. I just went out to cut more hydrangeas today, and they were too far gone. So sad. I’ll be happy with a 25% success rate! You absolutely can use them in some decor, they’ll look great!

        Reply

    15. Thank you for sharing Kim, I can’t wait to try this! Next year I’ll have to buy some more plants as I’ve enjoyed their beauty this summer & they’re pretty easy to care for. I keep mine in pots on my deck away from the deer.

      Reply

      1. I’m just bought a couple more this year, and I’m obsessed! It’s so smart that you are keeping them away from the deer. I have never had any problems with the deer eating them, knock on wood!

        Reply

    16. Kim,
      The hydrangeas and their arrangements are so pretty!! Just so lovely! Thanks so much for sharing!!
      Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and for letting me know that you did by leaving a comment!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
      Hugs,
      Debbie

      Reply

    17. Kim,
      I had no idea how easy it is to preserve hydrangeas. Thanks so much for the great tips!

      Reply

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