How to Care for Hydrangeas

First cultivated in Japan, hydrangeas symbolise apology or gratitude. The flowers are named after the Greek words for “water vessel” because they are incredibly thirsty, especially in Singapore’s climate. Here are some tips to help you care for your hydrangeas.

What to do when you receive hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are notoriously thirsty flowers, so give them a good drink as quickly as possible! Use sharp shears to trim 1 cm off the stems at a 45° angle. Slice a 2-3cm vertical slit up the bottom centre of the cut stem to further expose the inner layers directly to the water. Pop them straight into a vase filled halfway to two-thirds with water.

How often to change the water?

Completely change the water every 1 to 2 days. Do not just top it up; empty it out. Quickly scrub the vase with warm water and soap before refilling it to eliminate bacteria build-up. With each water change, trim just 1 cm off the bottom of the stems at a 45° angle and re-split them to expose fresh, unclogged channels for drinking!

How long do hydrangeas last?

Hydrangeas usually last for about a week, though with some love and attention they can be on display for a few weeks! Keep your hydrangeas in a cool, shaded area, away from ripening fruits. Direct sunlight and heat sources speed up evaporation, causing the heavy flower heads to wilt quickly. Keep them away from air conditioning vents, fans, or open windows. Strong drafts pull moisture directly out of the delicate sepals.

What if hydrangeas are drooping?

Give them a quick refresh by submerging the entire head upside down in a sink or bucket of cool water for 30-60 mins. Uniquely, they can absorb water directly through their flower heads! Because of the structure of their sepals (what we think of as petals), they can drink the water right up and crisp back to life! Watch our TikTok video for a demo.