I cut my hydrangeas yesterday befor the rain (thank goodness) so I ws anxious to try the microwave. So after looking at some other notes on microwaveing dried flowers, I decided to try it. I found that using the timed defrost mode for 7 minutes worked in mine with about a 10 inch diameter of loosely packed single layer of bloosoms on a double layer of paper towels. I cut the bigger heads into nice sections. The colors stayed very nice. They were green and red.
Note: when I didn't get them dry at first(using less time), and left them to room dry, they turned an unacceptable brown.
Hope this inspires someone to try it. I'm hesitant to use silicone (although it works great) since the dust is very harmful to your lungs. A mask is an absolute necessity.
I need to do a tree for a flower show, and I hope to use these. Any other suggestions?
Enjoy the season...JJ

Ahsew,

I cut my Annabelle Hydrangea when the flowers feel like crepe paper. Then hang them in a got garage. At what stage do you CUT the red and blue hydrangeas?

Why go through microwaving and silica gel when all you do is arrange them and they dry perfectly. Do they behave differently in warmer climates?