Tips from florists in Italy, Spain, and France.
Florists in Italy, Spain, and France employ a range of techniques to keep hydrangeas fresh for outdoor events, particularly given the warm climates in these regions.
Here’s what they do:

Italy
Hydration and Conditioning:
Deep Soaking: hydrangea stems are soaked in water with floral preservatives for 12-24 hours before use.
Water Tubes: individual water tubes are placed on the stems to keep them hydrated throughout the event.
Temperature Control:
Cool Storage: flowers are stored in refrigerators or cool rooms set between 4-7°C until just before the event.
Late Day Events: outdoor events are often scheduled for late afternoon or evening to avoid the heat of the day.
Misting:
Regular Misting: florists frequently mist the hydrangeas with water to maintain moisture.
Shading:
Temporary Shade Structures: shade cloths or canopies are used to protect the flowers from direct sunlight during the event.
Transportation:
Air-Conditioned Vehicles: flowers are transported in air-conditioned vans to keep them cool.
Spain
Water Management:
Full Submersion: florists immerse the entire hydrangea heads in water for 30-60 minutes before arranging them.
Continuous Hydration: stems are placed in individual water tubes or soaked floral foam for sustained hydration.
Cooling:
Refrigerated Storage: hydrangeas are kept in coolers at 4-7°C until needed.
Ice Packs: ice packs are strategically placed around the base of arrangements to maintain a cool temperature.
Protective Measures:
Anti-Transpirant Sprays: sprays are used to reduce water loss from the petals.
Event Timing: preference for holding events in the late afternoon or evening to minimize heat exposure.
Misting:
Frequent Misting: like in Italy, frequent misting is employed to keep the flowers hydrated.
France
Hydration Techniques:
Overnight Soaking: hydrangea stems are soaked in water with floral preservatives overnight.
Cutting Underwater: stems are cut underwater to prevent air bubbles from forming and blocking water uptake.
Climate Control:
Cool Storage: flowers are kept in air-conditioned rooms or refrigerators until the event.
Cooler Hours: outdoor events are often planned for cooler parts of the day, either early morning or late afternoon.
Moisture Maintenance:
Soaked Floral Foam: arrangements often use water-soaked floral foam to keep the flowers hydrated.
Wet Cloth Wrap: stems are wrapped in wet cloths during transport and setup.
Innovative Techniques:
Portable Cooling Units: small portable cooling units or fans are used near the flower arrangements to keep the temperature down.
Misting and Spraying: continuous misting of the flowers throughout the event helps maintain freshness.
Florists in Italy, Spain, and France use a combination of hydration, temperature control, protective measures, and strategic timing to keep hydrangeas fresh for outdoor events. These techniques help ensure that hydrangeas remain vibrant and beautiful, even in warm climates, ensuring a perfect setting for the special day.
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