Hydrangeas are lush, romantic, and always the star of any bouquet. But if you’ve ever bought a bunch home only to find them drooping by the next morning, you’ll know that they can be a little dramatic in Singapore’s heat.
The truth is, hydrangeas are thirsty blooms. They need care from the moment you pick them up — but when treated right, they can last beautifully for days, sometimes even over a week. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose and care for them the right way.
How to Choose the Right Hydrangea
When you’re picking hydrangeas, don’t just go by colour. The easiest way to tell if they’re fresh is by giving the petals a gentle ruffle.
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If they feel firm and crisp, you’ve found a good one.
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If they feel soft or floppy, they’re already on their way out and will probably wilt within hours.
And if you’re buying from Far East Flora, always check the arrival date on the price tag, hydrangeas look super sprightly even though they may be 3 weeks old if they're kept at a an ideal temperature (4 to 10degrees), but wilt almost instantly once taken out into the heat!
(DM us on IG to find out more, or check out our next blog post on how to check the arrival date when buying flowers at Far East Flora dropping soon!)
What to Do After Buying
Once you get them home:
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Remove all packaging so the flowers can breathe.
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Dunk the entire head of the hydrangea in cool, clean water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps them rehydrate through their petals.
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Trim the stems at an angle and split them vertically about 2cm up. This allows maximum water absorption.
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Place them in a clean vase filled with fresh water immediately.
It sounds like a lot of work, but this little routine really makes a world of difference.
Daily Aftercare Tips
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Keep your hydrangeas in a cool, dry spot — away from direct sunlight, fans, or air-conditioning vents.
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Change the water daily, and clean the vase if you can.
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Add flower food or a tiny drop of bleach to the water to slow bacterial growth.
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If they ever start to wilt, just re-dunk the heads in water again for 15 minutes — they usually perk right back up.
Types of Hydrangeas Commonly Found in Singapore
We usually get our hydrangeas from Colombia, Kenya, Holland, China, and Vietnam, and each has its own quirks.
Colombian hydrangeas are my absolute favourite, they’re inexpensive, hardy, and honestly last freakishly long. The only catch? They’re usually limited to white, green, and blue. The green ones are my go-to base flower for most arrangements because they’re neutral, full, and go with everything.
Kenyan and Vietnamese hydrangeas are also lovely to use, not quite as long-lasting, but they come in light pink and white and are wallet-friendly.
Chinese hydrangeas are the ones to reach for when you need something dramatic. They come in so many colours and are huge, sometimes bigger than your head. They’re perfect for setups and large displays.
And lastly, Holland hydrangeas. Beautiful, yes, but they don’t last. They’re pricey and tend to wilt faster than the rest, so I usually skip them unless I absolutely have to.
Final Thoughts
Hydrangeas might be a little high-maintenance, but they’re worth every bit of effort. With the right care, they’ll stay full, perky, and as breathtaking as the day you bought them.
So the next time you spot a bunch that catches your eye, give those petals a little ruffle, and if they feel firm, take them home and show them a bit of love.
Happy flowering.