Introduction
Hydrangeas are the ultimate volume flower — one stem fills the space of 5-10 individual stems. For budget-conscious designs and lush, full arrangements, hydrangeas are indispensable.
Hydrangea Basics
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season | May - October (domestic peak) |
| Year-round | Available imported from South America and Holland |
| Wholesale cost | $4-6/stem (in season), $8-12/stem (winter) |
| Bloom size | 6-10 inches across |
| Vase life | 5-7 days with proper care |
| Colors | White, blue, green, pink, purple, antique |
Types for Weddings
Mophead (Hortensia)
The classic hydrangea — large, round flower heads. Most common for weddings.
Lace Cap
Flat flower heads with small central flowers surrounded by larger outer petals. More delicate and unusual.
Annabelle
Large, fluffy white heads. Excellent for all-white or greenery-forward designs.
Antique Hydrangeas
Naturally multi-toned with vintage coloring — green, mauve, burgundy. Premium pricing ($8-15/stem) but stunning for fall and moody palettes.
Color Options and Tinting
Natural hydrangea colors depend on soil pH:
- Acidic soil = Blue hydrangeas
- Alkaline soil = Pink hydrangeas
- Neutral = Purple or green
Tinting
White hydrangeas can be professionally tinted any color:
- Dip stems in floral tint solution
- Takes 24-48 hours to absorb
- Can achieve colors not found in nature (navy, lavender, coral)
- Adds $2-4/stem to cost
Volume Advantage
Hydrangeas deliver the most visual impact per dollar spent:
| Comparison | Stems Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hydrangea head | 1 stem | $5 |
| Equivalent volume in roses | 8-10 stems | $25-40 |
| Equivalent volume in garden roses | 5-6 stems | $33-54 |
This makes hydrangeas ideal for:
- Filling large centerpieces
- Creating lush, full bouquets on a budget
- Ceremony arrangements that need volume
- Garlands and large installations
Care Challenges
Hydrangeas are notorious for wilting. Prevent it:
- Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and split the bottom 1 inch
- Hydrate immediately — Even 30 minutes out of water can cause wilting
- Use Hydrangea Revival (alum) — Dip stem ends in alum powder before placing in water
- Mist the heads — Hydrangeas absorb water through their petals
- Use water tubes — Essential for any hydrangea in a bouquet or personal flower
- Keep cool — Heat accelerates wilting
Emergency Revival
If hydrangeas wilt: submerge the entire head in room-temperature water for 30-60 minutes. They often revive completely.
Design Ideas
Hydrangea-Heavy Centerpiece
2-3 hydrangea stems surrounded by roses and greenery creates a lush, full centerpiece at a fraction of the all-rose cost.
Bouquet Base
Use hydrangea as the "base" of a bouquet, then layer focal flowers (garden roses, dahlias) on top. Creates fullness without excessive stems.
Dried Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas dry beautifully — air dry by hanging upside down for 2 weeks. Dried hydrangeas work for:
- Fall and winter designs
- Keepsake bouquets
- Budget-friendly décor
Use our Flower Cost Calculator for hydrangea arrangement pricing. Build proposals with WPro.AI.
Conclusion
Hydrangeas offer unmatched volume per stem. Master the care challenges, use them strategically for budget-friendly fullness, and always have a revival plan. They are one of the most valuable tools in a wedding florist's toolkit.
Related: Budget-Friendly Wedding Flowers | Wedding Centerpiece Pricing Guide | Flower Cost Calculator
