When buying cut hydrangeas for a vase, check for these signs of freshness:

: Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's frequently stock popular "florist-quality" hydrangeas, especially around Mother's Day, but these are often decorative and may not survive long-term planting. Shopping Tips for Fresh Stems

: Sites like Hydrangea.com and Wayside Gardens offer a wider selection of unique colors and compact varieties that local stores might not carry.

: For events or DIY weddings, Flower Moxie and FiftyFlowers provide fresh stems in bulk, often shipped directly from growers.