Hydrangeas in bouquets tend to wilt first as their thick, woody stems and sticky sap hinder water absorption throughout the flower.

But unlike most cut flowers, hydrangeas have a unique ability: they can actually absorb moisture through their florets.

This means you can revive wilted hydrangeas by completely submerging them in water for a few hours.

This trick is specific to hydrangeas, so you shouldn’t try it with roses, peonies, or tulips, as submerging most flowers will only accelerate wilting and rot.

While not a guaranteed solution, it’s definitely worth a try for hydrangeas on their last legs. The effectiveness depends on how fresh they are.

As Rizaniño Reyes, a Seattle-based floral designer explained, “when the flowers were cut and how long they’ve been in a box in cold storage post-harvest.”

“I’ve done this with reasonable success, but it’s never 100 percent from my experience,” Reyes told Better Homes and Gardens.

So, don’t throw away your wilting hydrangeas just yet. Here’s how to give them a second chance:

Start by snipping about an inch off the ends of the stems with sharp shears.

Completely submerge the wilted flowers in a bucket, bowl, or even your sink filled with cool water.

If you’re reviving multiple stems, weigh them down with a light plate to ensure they stay fully underwater.

The revival time depends on the severity of the wilt. Less wilted blooms may perk up in just a couple of hours. Keep an eye on them as they soak and assess their progress.

If a few hours of soaking doesn’t do the trick, extend their spa treatment to an overnight session. They might surprise you!

Unfortunately, if your hydrangeas remain unresponsive after a full night submerged, they might be past the point of no return.

Resist the urge to repeat the submerging process – it won’t help and could damage the flowers further.