Fresh Blue and White Hydrangea Floral Centerpiece

Hydrangeas are in full bloom in the summer, and make not only excellent garden flowers, but wonderful floral centerpieces. They are easy to arrange, and when hydrangeas are properly prepared they will last for weeks in a low-maintenance flower display. Hydrangea centerpieces or bouquets are also low-profile, making them perfect table decorations that don't block lines of view. The lush blue and white colors are easy to find, and this hydrangea arrangement is reminiscent of a bowl of blueberry ice cream topped with whipped cream. Hydrangeas are the perfect summer treat for your dinner table décor.

Prepare the Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are at their most hydrated early in the morning, so try to clip them before 10 AM. Using sharp garden shears, clip the hydrangeas with at least 12" of stem attached. For the featured arrangement, nine stems of Nikko Blue hydrangea and one stem of a native white hydrangea were used. Submerge the stems completely in a large bucket of water and trim a half inch from the ends underwater. Completely submerge both stems and blossoms underwater and cover with a wet dishtowel or paper towel. Let sit for four hours in a cool place to hydrate and temper the stems.

Prepare the Bowl for Floral Display

Hydrangeas look lovely simply arranged in a large bowl. Here, a 10" bowl from the Portmeirion Botanical Garden collection is used as the container. To hold the hydrangea blossoms in place for the centerpiece, make a cross centered across the top of the bowl using two long pieces of cellophane tape. Fill in the grid with four additional pieces of tape, one halfway between the center tape and the side. Press the cellophane tape firmly to the edges to hold it in place. Carefully fill the bowl with water, pouring into an opening in the grid.

Arrange the Hydrangeas

Start with the blue hydrangea stems. Holding the stem end underwater, clip them short enough to go easily into the bowl, but long enough so that the ends will still be underwater. Tuck the stems into the bowl in a ring around the edge, letting the blossom edges fall over the edge of the bowl to cover the edges of the tape. Finally, place the white hydrangea in the center as the "cream" accent. The hydrangea centerpiece is complete and ready for display. For longer lasting flowers, keep the floral arrangement out of direct sunlight and in a cool place, and add fresh water as needed. Hydrangeas may last weeks if properly cared for.

Hydrangea Arrangement Variations

For a summer wedding centerpiece, use different varieties of all-white hydrangeas.

Mix blue, pink and white hydrangeas for a multicolor variation.

Add scarlet monarda, orange crocosimia, or yellow rudbeckia for a contrast color pop and vertical element if the arrangement is not to be used as a centerpiece.

Use a solid colored bowl and add streamers of English ivy to the bottom for a cascading effect.