Hydrangea blooms can make for fabulous floral arrangements. Especially the mophead varieties, which are so large, they can fill a vase with its many tiny flowers. Hydrangea blooms also keep very well, especially with a few precautions. So one may expect properly cut blooms to last for at least several weeks to a month.

Floristry experts suggest that one make certain the hydrangea bloom is at least a week old and is fully colored prior to cutting it. The older the bloom, the longer the cut flower will last in water.

As well, since new hydrangea frequently buds on old wood, one should cut the green area, and not the brown area of the stem. This will ensure that new hydrangea blooms will delight one the next year.

Once the bloom is cut, which should be cut on a diagonal, the hydrangea bloom should be immersed in water for two hours. To increase water absorption one may either smash the bottom of the stem with a hammer, or cut one inch off the bottom of the stem while it is immersed in water. This will keep the bloom alive and drinking water for a longer period of time.

Some experts recommend boiling the water and then chilling it prior to the two hour soaking of the hydrangea bloom. Others simply recommend keeping the stem well immersed in water.

Consider using a shorter vase, and cutting the hydrangea stem short, about six inches (15.24 cm) or less. A longer stem requires more water and will shorten the life of the bloom. Since the stem will take up water, check longer stems frequently to see if the water in the vase needs to be replaced.

Though hydrangea leaves are pretty, they should all be trimmed off a bloom. They will also steal water from the flower part and shorten the life of a cut hydrangea. Also, do not trim non-blooming stalks of hydrangea on a plant less than five years old. These stalks tend to become next year’s flowers. Thus cutting with caution is recommended.