Using Garden Annabelle Hydrangeas for a July Wedding: Conditioning and Alternatives

Annabelles can work if conditioned: cut, plunge in boiling water 30 seconds, then tepid water to bloom. Test first. Alternative: potted ‘Endless Summer’ hydrangeas (blue/pink, not white) or order white cut stems from a wholesaler—these are bred to hold up and even dry beautifully without drooping.