In short: Choose a colour that already exists in the room. Use 1 stem for a small vase, 3 for a medium vase (about 20–25 cm) and 5 or more for a large one. Pick a round vase with a wide opening, fluff the heads, and vary the heights.
If you only buy one kind of artificial flower, make it a hydrangea. A single head is made up of hundreds of small florets, which gives instant volume. One stem fills a small vase, and three make a generous arrangement. Hydrangeas also suit almost every interior, from bright Scandinavian minimalism to dark, moody rooms.
Our hydrangeas are also real-touch: the florets and leaves feel soft and supple, close to a fresh hydrangea, so they hold up to a closer look and a touch. This guide covers everything you need to choose and style them.
Which colour should you choose?
Our hydrangeas come in seven colours. Here's how we think about each one.
- White: the classic. Calm, bright and timeless, it fits every room and every season.
- Light green: fresh and spring-like. Beautiful in kitchens and bright rooms.
- Olive green: muted and earthy. Pairs with oak, linen and warm grey.
- Dark green: deep and rich, like a forest. Good against light walls where you want contrast.
- Blue: soft and summery. Lovely in bedrooms, with white linen.
- Purple: a dusty mauve that's romantic without being sweet.
- Brown: an antique, dried look. Perfect for autumn and winter with candles and wool.
Not sure? Choose a colour that already exists somewhere in the room, such as a cushion, a rug or a piece of art. It ties the room together.
How many stems do you need?
Each of our hydrangea stems is about 51 cm tall, with one full flower head.
- Small vase or bud vase: 1 stem. Simple and elegant.
- Medium vase (around 20–25 cm): 3 stems. This is the most common choice and looks full and generous.
- Large vase or floor vase: 5 stems or more, ideally combined with greenery such as ruscus.
Odd numbers almost always look more natural than even ones.
Which vase works best?
Hydrangea heads are large and heavy, so they like a vase with a wide opening where the heads can rest on the rim. Round or barrel-shaped vases in stone, ceramic or matte glass are ideal. A tall, narrow vase works for a single stem.
How to arrange hydrangeas so they look real
- Fluff the heads. Gently separate the florets with your fingers so the head is round and full, not flat.
- Bend the stems slightly. Real hydrangeas lean a little under their own weight.
- Vary the heights. Let one head sit lower, resting on the rim of the vase, and another a little higher.
- Turn the heads. Point them in slightly different directions, not all straight at you.
- Angle the leaves. Open them out so they don't hug the stem.
For more styling tips, read how to make artificial flowers look real.
Combinations we love
- Quiet and bright: 3 white hydrangeas and 3 ruscus branches.
- Forest: olive, dark green and brown hydrangea, one of each.
- Evening: purple, blue and light green hydrangea, one of each.
- Soft and romantic: 2 white hydrangeas and 3 light pink peonies.
Where to place them
Since artificial hydrangeas don't need light, they can go where fresh flowers can't: a dark hallway, a bathroom, a windowless corner. Keep them out of strong direct sunlight, which can fade colours over time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shorten the stems?
Measure against your vase first. Many artificial stems can be shortened with strong wire cutters, but you can't make them longer again.
How do I clean hydrangeas?
Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to lift dust from between the florets, then brush gently. See how to clean artificial flowers.
Can I mix colours?
Yes. Mixing two or three related tones, like white, light green and olive, often looks more natural than a single colour.