This way, hydrangeas don't hang their heads in the vase

Just bought it and it's already starting to wilt? Hydrangea flowers are still somewhat delicate at the beginning of their season, in early summer. To ensure they stay fresh in the vase for a long time, they need a little extra care. And in an emergency, a long bath.

Hydrangeas for vases are available at farmers markets and flower shops as early as early summer. They are still a bit sensitive.

Especially in very warm weather, cut hydrangeas have difficulty absorbing as much water as they evaporate, explain the experts from Hydrangeaworld, a cooperative association of hydrangea breeders and producers.

- Proper care: The experts recommend removing as many leaves as possible from the stems to limit evaporation and not placing the vase in the blazing sun. In addition, no leaves should protrude into the water, as this leads to a rapid multiplication of bacteria in the water. These in turn hindered water absorption. The vase should be “really, really clean” before the flowers go in. The experts recommend taking the container straight out of the dishwasher or cleaning it with chlorine.

- The SOS tip: If the hydrangea quickly hangs its head, it should be immersed in the bath. To do this, place the entire flower, from the end of the stem to the crown of the flower, in lukewarm water in the sink, bucket or bathtub. The hydrangea floats to the top of the tank. It should stay like this for ten minutes, then turn it over so that the other leaves can also absorb water. After around 20 to 30 minutes, remove the flower. The experts explain that after a good hour the blossom should be full again.

- The summer cut: Hydrangeas cut later are not as sensitive. The mature flowers from summer, in which the colored bracts turn a little green again, are much more durable, explains Hydrangeaworld. These late summer flowers can also be dried well. If you cut hydrangeas from your own garden, you should pay attention to the stem ends. They should not be woody yet, this makes it easier to absorb water.