A wedding in Phoenix changed how I handle hydrangeas for good

I used to treat all hydrangeas the same, just cut them and stick them in a bucket of water. Then I did this big wedding in Phoenix last summer, and the bride wanted all blue hydrangeas. It was over 100 degrees, and half of my order wilted overnight before I even started arranging. I was panicking. An older florist I know told me to cut the stems, smash the ends with a hammer, and then dunk the whole flower head in cool water for 30 minutes before putting them in the vase. I mean, it sounded crazy, but I tried it. It worked perfectly, every single one perked right up. Now I do that for every hydrangea order, no matter the weather. Has anyone else found a specific trick for a flower that just will not behave?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_cameron2mo ago

Smash them with a hammer? For real? Seems like a lot of drama for a flower. What if you just got a heartier plant instead. People act like hydrangeas are these super fragile divas. I've seen them growing outside in full sun looking fine. Maybe the problem is overthinking it.

christopher_wells42mo ago

Yeah, the hammer trick is a total lifesaver for sure.

andrew_gonzalez882mo ago

Hammer trick is legit. Crushing the stems lets them drink way more water. My cut hydrangeas used to wilt in a day, now they last over a week. It's not about being a diva, it's just how their stems are built.