Flower Library
Hydrangeas
Hydrangea · Hydrangeaceae
Hydrangeas are the workhorse of opulent summer bouquets and wedding floristry. A single hydrangea cluster fills a bouquet like ten other blooms would. In autumn they shift into ‘antique' tones that dry beautifully — often more prized dried than fresh.
- Season
- June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 5–14 days
- Latin name
- Hydrangea
- Colors
- White, Light blue, Blue, Pink, Hot pink, Green, Bordeaux, Antique (faded)
Hydrangeas have a full look — a single bloom is technically a cluster of hundreds of small flowers, making them the best volume-builders around.
They drink heavily: hydrangeas absorb water through stems and through the flower head itself. If the head wilts, a 30-minute soak of the whole bloom in cool water often revives it.
Late summer and autumn bring the prized ‘antique' palette — pink shifting to burgundy, green to bronze. These are pricier and favorites for weddings and events.
Is Hydrangeas toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Toxic
- Cats
- Toxic
- Dogs
- Toxic
Toxic to cats and dogs. Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides (mainly in leaves and buds); ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Keep the vase out of reach of pets.
Typical symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain; larger amounts can cause lethargy and circulatory weakness.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and move into water immediately — air in the channel makes the head droop.
- 02Fill the vase generously — hydrangeas need water.
- 03If the head wilts: a 20–30 minute head-down soak (sink or tub) usually revives it.
- 04Change the water every 2 days.
- 05Dry them in autumn: a wilted hydrangea makes a dried bouquet that lasts months.
Frequently asked
- Why are my blue hydrangeas turning lilac?
- Hydrangea blue depends on pH. In the vase, bacteria shift the pH slightly — a drift toward lilac is normal and not a quality issue.
- Can I dry hydrangeas?
- Yes, best cut in late summer. Place heads in a vase with 2 cm of water — the water evaporates slowly and the blooms dry crisp instead of wilting.
- How long do hydrangeas last in a vase?
- With a fresh cut and plenty of water, hydrangeas last 5 to 14 days. The key is immediate water contact after cutting — and a well-filled vase, since the blooms drink a lot.
- Are hydrangeas toxic to cats and dogs?
- Yes. Hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides, mainly in the leaves and buds, and are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Severe poisoning is rare, but keep the vase out of reach of pets to be safe.