How to Dry Hydrangeas Clip hydrangeas. Strip the leaves off of the stem. Put in water. For whatever reason, if the flower dries slowly, still slurping up a little water as it dries, it seems to retain its shape and color. If you try to dry a Hydrangea without leaving the stems in water, it will shrivel and brown. When jar of water is empty, chances are that the flowers are dried and ready to be used. (If they are NOT dried, keep adding water until they are.)
