WHY YOUR HYDRANGEAS NEVER LAST AS LONG AS MINE
(Here’s what I do differently, and why it works)
Hydrangeas are beautiful, but high-maintenance. One day they’re full and fluffy, and the next they’re face-down in the vase like they gave up. Customers often ask me, “Why do yours hold up so well, even outdoors in summer?”
The short answer? I treat them right-- from the first cut to the final spray. The long answer? Decades of hands-on experience, a deep love of flowers, and products that actually do what they promise.
I’ve spent over half my life working with flowers, including years learning from one of the oldest florist families in the Quad Cities, the Hignights. And after all this time, I can tell you: not all flower care is created equal.
STEP 1: STRIP THEM BARE
First, I remove every single leaf. Hydrangea foliage steals moisture from the bloom, especially in hot weather. Bare stems give the flower the best chance at lasting hydration.
STEP 2: FRESH CUT + CRYSTAL CLEAR EXPRESS ULTRA 300
Next, I give each stem a fresh angled cut and place it directly into water with Crystal Clear Express Ultra 300. In my opinion, the it's the best flower food on the market.
It eliminates the need for Quick Dip and is labeled as a no-cut formula, meaning technically, you don’t have to cut the stems for it to work. That said, I still recommend a fresh cut first for best results. It gives the flower immediate access to hydration and nutrients, fast.
In my shop, I send customers home with small packets of Express Ultra 300 in every wrapped bouquet. It’s my way of making sure even casual flower lovers get a no-fail experience whether they cut the stems correctly or not.
Even though this product has been around for several years, it’s still not widely used. I hope more florists learn about it through continuing education, because the difference is real.
STEP 3: RE-CUT, DIP, DESIGN
When I’m ready to design, I recut the stems again and dip them into alum powder. This prevents the woody stems from sealing shut, which keeps water flowing freely into the bloom.
STEP 4: CROWNING GLORY: MY NON-NEGOTIABLE
After arranging, I give the blooms a heavy spray of Crowning Glory. Not a little mist—a full, heavy coat. This locks in moisture and protects the petals from wind, sun, and dry air. It’s an absolute must for outdoor events or hot-weather displays.
I’ve had hydrangeas last from morning setup to the next day, outside in summer heat, using this routine. No droop. No drama.
WHY THIS WORKS (THE SCIENCE PART)
Hydrangeas drink through both their stems and their petals, so they’re especially prone to dehydration. My method supports:
- Hydration through clean, open stems
- Immediate nutrient absorption
- Moisture retention at the bloom level
- Prevention of early stem blockage
It’s not just florist magic, it’s plant biology, the right tools, and a whole lot of experience.
WHY GROCERY STORE BLOOMS STRUGGLE
Mass-market flowers are often shipped warm, stored dry, and sold without proper care products. By the time they reach you, they’ve already started aging. That’s why working with a professional florist matters. We don’t just arrange flowers, we give them the prep and protection they need to thrive.
WANT HYDRANGEAS THAT DON’T QUIT?
Come see us at Hignight Florist. Where we treat our flowers with care, expertise, and the kind of attention that comes from decades in the business.
