Artificial Hydrangeas

What to look for in artificial hydrangeas

A convincing hydrangea head is built from lots of small florets packed into a cluster, with a little variation in tone across it, just like the real flower. When you compare options, look at how the florets overlap, whether the leaves sit naturally below the bloom, and how the colour reads in your own light. Most of our artificial hydrangeas are made from plastic and many are made from fabric. Plastic is easier to wipe clean, while fabric gives the petals a softer feel in the hand.

Which size of artificial hydrangea should you choose?

Most of our artificial hydrangeas are medium sized, which suits a standard vase on a sideboard or console table. Many are large, for a tall floor vase, a wide bowl or an empty fireplace that needs filling, and we also stock a small hydrangea for a shelf or a tight spot on a bookcase.

Before you buy, measure the vase or the space you have in mind and check the measurements on the product page. As a guide, an arrangement looks balanced when the blooms rise clearly above the rim, and a wide head needs a vase with a neck broad enough to let it sit without crowding.

Which colour of artificial hydrangea suits your room?

Many of our artificial hydrangeas come in pink, white, green or red, and a few come in cream, purple, brown or blue. Pink and white are the classic hydrangea shades and settle easily into a soft or neutral scheme. Green looks fresh against grey walls and natural wood, while red adds warmth and depth to a darker room.

By colour family, many are neutral, many are earthy and many are bold, while a few are muted. A few have a romantic look that suits a softer, more traditional living room. If you are building a display around existing cushions or a rug, pick out a shade they share rather than trying to match exactly.

How to arrange artificial hydrangeas in a vase

Hydrangea heads are full, so you need fewer stems than you might expect. Start with a small odd number, set the heads at slightly different heights, and turn them so the fullest side faces the room. Add more gradually until the vase looks generous but not packed. A clear glass vase shows the stems, while a ceramic or stone vase hides them and lets the colour lead.

For a looser look, tuck faux foliage or grasses around the edge, or mix shades of a similar tone, such as white with cream or pink with purple. A layer of glass pebbles in the base helps a tall arrangement stay upright.

Where to place artificial hydrangeas in the living room

Almost all of our artificial hydrangeas suit the living room. A large arrangement gives a mantel or hearth a clear focal point, a medium vase sits comfortably on a side table by the sofa, and a low bowl of heads works on a coffee table without blocking the view across the room. Because faux flowers need no light or water, they also brighten a dim corner or alcove where a real plant would struggle.

Keep them out of strong direct sun, since long exposure can dull the colour of any faux flower over time, and away from candles and radiators.

How to clean and store artificial hydrangeas

There is no watering, feeding or trimming to think about. A light dust now and then keeps the florets looking crisp: use a soft brush, a feather duster or a hairdryer on its cool setting. Plastic heads can be wiped with a barely damp cloth if they need more, then left to dry fully. Fabric petals are best dusted dry, as water can mark them or flatten their shape.

To store them, wrap the heads loosely in tissue and lay them flat in a box so the florets are not crushed. A gentle shake and a little teasing with your fingers helps bring the shape back when you take them out again.