Hydrangeas - when to cut for drying?

[Hot_Potato]

Can anyone tell me please when I should cut the beautiful heads of these flowers so that I can have them as a dried flower indoors later in the year?

My shrub is a young one - less than 2 years old and last year had maybe 2 or 3 small heads on it. This year, it's grown & grown and initially produced a couple of pure white heads but now there are at least 6 maybe 7 heads already varying in shade from 'off white' to a pale pink.

Don't want to leave it too late or does it depend on what colour I want them to be as I realise they're going to probably get to a much darker shade of pink before they're finished - maybe I cut at different times if I want some of each?

Once cut, how best do I dry the heads please?......how long before I can put them into a vase to 'show them off' and keep them indefinitely?

Sorry for so many questions  ;)

H.P.

[Hot_Potato]

[Mrs Ava]

I googled HP and found this....hope it helps!

Large, colorful hydrangeas are impressive in the garden and even more so when they have been dried and preserved. The trick to preserving these lush blooms is cutting them at just the right time.

 
   Steps:
1.   Look closely at the hydrangea flower heads toward the end of the blooming season. There are actually two types of flowers on each head. You will see that the larger flowers have a tiny flower on top. 
 
2.   Wait until the tiny flowers on top have almost opened. The color will just have begun to fade. This is the prime time to cut them. 
 
3.   Cut stems at least 12 to 18 inches down from the base of the flowers. 
 
4.   Remove any leaves from the stems. 
 
5.   Place the cut flowers into a deep vase filled with clear, fresh water. The stems should submerged at least half way. 
 
6.   Place the vase in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. You can enjoy the flowers during the drying process. 
 
7.   Allow the water to evaporate naturally from the vase. Once the water is completely gone, your hydrangeas should be dry and ready to use for floral decorations or craft projects. 
 
Tips:
You can spray paint the flowers once they have dried if you want to change or enhance the color. 
 
Cut the dried hydrangeas into smaller segments to use in craft projects. 
 
Wire the small segments onto dry twigs or branches, or use a hot glue gun to attach them to floral arrangements. 

[Likes Roses]

When completeld dry you can spray with hairspray it stops them faiding!

[Hot_Potato]

been away all week so only just seen these replies tonight....thanks so much E.J. for that info....really helpful....was looking at my hydrangeas today and they sort of look passed their best  ??? and colours really changed too....but will give this a go....

thanks also L.R. for the hairspray tip

H.P.