When Should Limelight Hydrangeas Be Trimmed Down To Dry?

Limelight hydrangeas are a popular choice for their long-lasting blooms, making them ideal for drying. To dry them, cut stems in the morning after dew has dried from the petals and use sharp shears or pruners to cut at an angle. Choose the right color for drying, as white flowers tend to wither and lose their shape.

The ideal time to cut hydrangea flowers is toward the end of their growing season (August through October), when the larger petals are starting to change color. The best time to cut hydrangeas for drying is mid-to-late morning, after any dew from the previous night has evaporated. The temperature usually isn’t hot enough to cause shrivelled up.

When pruning limelight hydrangeas, remove small branches to grow larger blooms and cut off 1/3 of the plant’s growth. If you plan to dry your favorite hydrangea varieties, leave the blooms on the plant until they’ve gone slightly past their prime. Wait until the blooms start turning greenish at the end of the season, and then cut them when they start to look papery.

To prune limelight hydrangeas, allow the flowers to dry on the bush, cut the stems at least 12 inches from the bush, remove the leaves, and cut the stem at an angle just above the stem. This will help prevent shrivelling and ensure that the flowers are ready for use in arrangements or wreaths.

In summary, limelight hydrangeas are a versatile and easy-to-care for plant. To dry them, wait until the end of their growing season, cut stems at an angle, and remove the leaves. Trim the plant in late winter or early spring to promote new growth and maintain its natural beauty.