Easy way to dry the Annabelle Hydrangea

It’s no secret that I love Annabelle hydrangeas. Their large blooms first come in green, then go white, and then green again. They did amazing here in New Jersey this year. The Annabelle hydrangea grows very fast. Next season, I plan to cut them down a bit shorter than I did this season. They grew too tall this year and fell over rather quickly. Their large blooms make them very heavy and prone to touch the ground. Back to the topic at hand…

The Annabelle hydrangea is very easy to dry, but you must cut them when they are ready.

Q. When is the Annabelle ready to be cut?

A. The perfect time to cut the Annabelle, is when they turn from white to green. Remember how I said above that they first bloom green, DO NOT cut them when they first bloom. They have to bloom, turn white and then turn green AGAIN. It’s already August, so if you’re reading this in August, your Annabelle is most likely reaching the end of its season and they are ready to be cut.

Q. Once they are cut, what next?

A. Remove all of the leaves. They turn brown and crispy. Depending on how long or short you trimmed them, use the appropriate vase for support. I like to cut mine long and then trim them depending on the flower arrangement or vase I’ll be using.

Q. Should I also remove the brown petals?

A. I do, but you don’t have to.

Q. Do I need to put them in water?

A. No! It’s that simple. They will naturally dry themselves.

Q. What next?

A. Enjoy them until next season. They last that long!

XOXO,

Paloma