Hydrangeas—From Wilt to Wonder: The Art of Bouncing Back

You all know how much I adore flowers—my “girls,” as I call them. They’ve been a part of my life since I was a child in Kentucky, when I’d spend hours picking dandelions, violets, mimosa blooms, honeysuckle, and crafting tiny arrangements that fueled my dreams. Each petal held a promise, a possibility, a little world of wonder. I even won a few blue ribbons at the county fair’s floral hall with my creations. But that’s a story for another time.

To me, flowers brighten everything. A simple bouquet has the power to transform any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a celebration, or just an ordinary Tuesday when store-bought blooms bring a touch of life to my kitchen. Their beauty inspires me every day, so much so that I wrote about them in my debut novel, Where the Grass Grows Blue, where they aren’t just pretty symbols—they’re a bond between my characters, Penny and Ruby Ray. A quiet form of communication. Ruby Ray, the wise grandmother, often teaches Penny—a lonely little girl craving love and understanding—lessons through floral gestures about patience, empathy, and seeing what’s beneath the surface.

One of my all-time favorites, even gracing the cover of my book, is the hydrangea—a flower I’ve adored for years. With their lush, layered clusters, they beautifully symbolize emotional depth and growth, a timeless message that resonates across centuries and cultures, from Japan to Victorian England. Hydrangeas carry heartfelt meanings: gratitude, friendship, love, and understanding. And their colors tell stories too—blue for forgiveness, pink for genuine affection, and white for purity—making them a truly enchanting and meaningful bloom.

But it’s not just their beauty I admire. It’s what they teach us. Hydrangeas are brutally honest and straightforward. When their environment is just right, they show it—full, colorful, thriving—they’re the happiest gals in the room, spreading joy and beauty. But if they start to wilt? That’s their gentle way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here.”

It’s this delicate balance between resilience and fragility that fascinates me. Have you ever arranged hydrangeas in a bouquet? One moment they’re in full bloom, and overnight, they can wilt without any obvious reason. It’s astonishing how something so breathtaking can be so vulnerable. Did they give up? Are they dead? Not exactly. They’re trying to tell you something. With a little care and understanding, you can revive them. Be curious. Be gentle. That’s the key.

So, how do we bring these stunning flowers back to life? The simplest way? Trim away the large, green leaves. They’re beautiful, but they drain the hydrangea’s energy and hydration—essentials for their vitality. If you think about it, it’s much like our own lives. Maybe negative thoughts or harmful situations are draining our strength. Maybe dwelling on the past or trying to change others to fit our idea of perfection is leaving us worn out. Like those excess leaves that need pruning, some things in our lives need to fall away so we can grow stronger. Can you relate? Remember, we all have a limited capacity. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is just let it go.

If pruning isn’t enough, perhaps give your hydrangea some time and space to come back to life. Here’s a simple trick: soak the blooms in warm water, upside down, in a sink for a few hours or even overnight. This helps the flower rest and regain strength. In fact, hydrangeas are among the few flowers that can absorb water through their stems and blooms. Think of it as a floral spa day. After a gentle soak, that wilted hydrangea can look as good as new. Ready to shine in your bouquet. It’s a reminder for us to pause and reset, too. Do something for yourself—take a walk outside, enjoy quiet reflection, or lose yourself in a good book. A cup of coffee or lavender tea. Heck, a glass of wine and a night of Netflix. Do something for you. Flowers need time and perspective to rejuvenate. Sometimes, we do too.

But let’s be honest, sometimes, no amount of pruning, patience, or self-care can save the day. When that happens, a hydrangea needs a different kind of intervention. It’s time for bold moves—literally. Cutting the stems into quarters with a sharp knife or smashing them with a hammer, then placing the stem in HOT, even boiling, water will bring them back. Yes, you read that right. It might sound intense, and I get chills just thinking about it. But it’s powerful: sometimes, we must shake things up. Break the mold. Breathe new life into our hopes and dreams. Growth often requires stepping outside our comfort zone, embracing discomfort, and trusting that the heat will make us stronger. Yes, it might hurt for a moment, but transforming pain is often the path toward a more beautiful life or bloom.

Despite their delicate appearance, hydrangeas are tougher than they seem. If they wilt, don’t panic. Listen to what they’re telling you. And just like them, when you’re feeling fragile, overwhelmed, or lost, remember that you carry within you the strength to express your feelings and bounce back. We can recover, renew, and bloom more vibrantly than ever before.

So, next time you see a hydrangea, let it be a reminder. We all have the capacity to bloom again—no matter how fragile or lost we feel. Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra TLC, a fresh perspective, or a daring move to push through the fear.

Be like a hydrangea—keep blooming, keep growing, and never be afraid to show what’s truly inside. Because, just like this flower, our strength lies in resilience and renewal. The real beauty is when we dare to bounce back—bravely, openly, and unapologetically.

As always, I’m leaving you with a recipe…but not from my book, but something I’ve stumbled across. I made Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex’s, one-pot pasta dish, and I am in love! It’s super simple, delicious, and perfect for a quick dinner—plus, I had all the ingredients in my fridge, with just a little extra onion for flavor since I missed the lemon zest.

Ingredients:

4 cups water

16 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp kosher salt

8 oz spaghetti

2 tsp lemon zest

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)

4 cups greens (arugula, baby spinach, Swiss chard)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions:

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan or kettle.

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and kosher salt.

Place the spaghetti on top and sprinkle with lemon zest. Carefully pour just enough boiling water to cover the pasta.

Cover and cook over medium heat for about 6 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Uncover and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the mixture thickens.

Stir in crushed red pepper, greens, and Parmesan cheese.

Cook until the greens are wilted and everything is well combined.

Season with additional salt and red pepper if desired.

Until next time…