Half my dried hydrangeas went brown because I cut them too late

I finally figured out why my dried hydrangeas kept turning brown and crispy instead of keeping their color. Turns out I was waiting until they were fully faded in October to cut them. You actually need to cut them when the petals feel like paper but still have some color, usually late August or early September here in Ohio. I tested this side by side with 12 stems last year. The ones cut in August stayed pale blue. The October ones are totally brown. Has anyone else run into this problem with their hydrangeas?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sean1mo ago

Do you think the color might have more to do with the specific hydrangea variety rather than the timing? I've cut mine in late October for years and they always hold their color just fine.

terrymitchell1mo ago

Exactly! I had the same issue with my Endless Summer ones, cutting late totally ruins them every time.