I dry mine by placing them in a vase full of water. When the water is gone, they are dry.

We cut the first bunches to dry last week. I tie the stems together in a big bunch and hang them in the basement. Most will try just fine. They were picked mid day and when they were very dry. We are drying endless summer, Niko Blue and trying a couple of the lace caps. Have dried by placing in a vase - but it makes such a mess with the little seeds and pieces falling off that it is easier to just hang them up. We dry a lot of them because they then are used for Christmas decorations - some spray painted and some red ones left as is. We also use ornaments, ribbons, and lots of greens which are pretty easy to gather here in the PNW. The decorations, for tables and swags for the doors of the apartments, are donated to a women's shelter in our area as an annual project for our garden club. Some will look professional when done and others really home made! lol But all are appreciated.

all the batches of hydrangeas are dry and crispy! I cut the last batch after the heat spell and before the rain started. Nikko blue has held the color and some of the Endless summer are a beautiful maroon color with a little brown. I could take some photos is anyone is interested. They were saved in bunches and hug upside down in basement. I left the stems about 12 - 20 inches to make it easier to tie and hang. Also tried Ayeshia - sometimes called popcorn - but they just shriveled up. I am trying another batch but have some that are pretty dried right on the bush. Good luck with your attempts.

i'm interested. I wondered if anyone has dried Twist and Shout.