Whether you’re looking for a unique, easy-to-grow wedding flower, or just want to make your own floral arrangements for the season, hydrangea blooms are perfect. They come in an array of hues – from soft pinks to deep purples – and are easy to grow as well.

How to Root Bouquet Hydrangeas

One of the best parts about getting fresh flowers for a special occasion is that they last a long time. But what if you’d like to turn those gorgeous bouquets into real plants that you can enjoy year after year?

While the process may take a little longer than just putting the cut flowers in a vase, you can actually root those gorgeous blossoms, making them into healthy and vibrant garden plants. Here are some tips to get you started!

1. Drying Hydrangea Blossoms

A popular way to keep fresh hydrangeas around longer is to let them dry out. Keeping the stems out of direct sunlight and allowing them to dry slowly will help them retain their shape and color.

2. Reviving Wilted Hydrangeas In Water

If your hydrangea blooms are a little wilted, you can try to revive them by soaking them in water. The amount of time it will take for them to perk back up again depends on the variety and how much water they need, but you should be able to revive less-wilted ones in just an hour or two.

3. Sow Seeds After a Spring Rainstorm

You can sow your seeds after a spring rainstorm to ensure your hydrangeas will germinate soon. Or you can sow them in the fall and begin the germination process when the weather cools down and the soil is moist again.

Depending on the type of hydrangeas you’re growing, the timing of germination will vary, but all varieties will sprout after the soil warms up. This is a good time to apply a layer of mulch to protect the roots from the coming summer heat, and to give them a boost of nutrients.

4. Plant Hydrangeas In Pots

If you want to plant your hydrangeas in containers, the first step is choosing the right pot. This is an important factor, as a pot that doesn’t drain well or is too big can cause excess water to collect at the roots, which can prevent blooms from developing.

5. Choose the Best Hydrangea Varieties For Your Space

When you’re ready to plant, choose hydrangeas that will grow best in your garden or patio. There are many choices, including varieties that have different bloom colors (bigleaf hydrangeas, for example, can come in blues, purples or pinks), and types with lacecaps, mopheads or ruffled petals. You can also opt for a smaller sized hydrangea that’s more appropriate for small spaces, such as Dutch hydrangeas.

Once you’ve chosen the right hydrangea for your garden, it’s time to start growing them. To get them going, dig a hole that’s slightly larger than the nursery pot they came in, but not quite as deep as it is wide. Fill the hole halfway with potting soil, and center your hydrangea’s rootball in it.