Meredith Graves who heads Winterthur’s flower arrangers is excited about hydrangeas:
Hydrangeas are just perfect this time of year. These are our two favorite for using in arrangements and also for drying for our spectacular Yuletide dried flower tree. If you wish to dry —- cut long stems and hang in dry room with humidifier if available. Be patient—ten days or so should do the trick.
Hydranges Arborescens ”Annabelle”
Hydrangea Arborescens ”Annabelle ”– perfect for hedges and mass display—can be cut to ground in winter for tidiness.
Our second favorite is hydrangea paniculata or “Peegee” a lovely old fashioned hydrangea in fast-growing shrub form. Blossoms are pinnacle in shape hence the name.