Freshly cut hydrangeas from your local flower shop are prone to wilting very quickly once it is taken out from the florist’s cooler.

Here’s a guide that I have experimented that can help you lengthen the vase life of a freshly cut hydrangeas.

You will need:
A hydrangea (duh!)
A bucket of cold water
A floral shear or knife
A sewing needle
2 packet of flower food
Your favorite vase

Step 1: Upon arriving your house from the flower shop, prepare a bucket of cold water. You can add ice cubes in the water if your tap water is warm. (Remember: Hydrangeas love cold weather)

Step 2: Open a packet of flower food and pour the flower food into the bucket of cold water.

Step 3: Unwrap hydrangea from its wrapping paper. Some florists will attach a mini water pod at the bottom of the hydrangea’s stem to ensure its freshness. You can remove this water pod by cutting the stem using a knife or floral shear at a 45 degree angle.

Step 4: Hydrangea has woody stem, thus, its water absorption ability is poor compared to other fresh flowers. To counter this problem, use a tiny sewing needle to pierce a few strategic holes into the hydrangea’s stem. This is to ensure that the flowers will able to absorb water at a faster rate and keep the hydrangea’s blooms hydrated at all times.

Step 5: Place the hydrangea into the bucket of ice-cold water. The water level in the bucket should cover the whole length of the hydrangea’s stem. Soak the hydrangea’s stem for 4-6 hours or preferably overnight prior to using the flowers.

Step 6: Fill your favorite vase with clean water (preferably cold) and flower food.

Step 7: Arrange the pre-conditioned hydrangeas in your favorite vase and enjoy the blooms.

Step 8: Cut the hydrangea’s stem every 2-3 days to ensure that the bottom of the stem is not blocked by any naturally occurring substance or air. These substances will prevent water from reaching the blooms.

Also, a general rule of thumb in lengthening the life of cut flowers is never to expose them under direct sunlight and avoid blowing them directly with a fan.

Here’s a benchmark: A properly cared-for and pre-conditioned hydrangea can lasts up to 7-12 days at normal room temperature here in Malaysia.