Most of us have an idea of how to dry out flowers. Digging through granny’s cedar chest, we may have even found her old wedding bouquet, lovingly saved from her big day. But, when we think of how to preserve flowers, there are several methods to try!
The increased popularity of flowering plants like pampas grass on Instagram has created a fascination with alternative flowers. Mainly how to preserve fresh flowers permanently, or ‘everlastings’ as they’re also known.
According to a recent analysis by The Last Bunch, the term ‘dried flowers’ now gets 105,000 searches a month. This trend will continue to grow as people search for alternative beauty with sustainability themes at heart. And, with summer in full swing, many new brides are learning how to preserve a wedding bouquet.
How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?
Dried flowers can last for years if cared for correctly. Preserved flowers are the perfect option for those looking to add a pop of color or texture that’s both low maintenance and trend-focused.
Since the pandemic, fresh flowers have been harder to find. With global sustainability concerns for workers and wildlife, the market is shaking up, and floral preservation is everywhere.
Mary-Anne Da’marzo, the founder of Soho-based preserved flower shop, The Last Bunch, says:
“With current supply chain shortages and poor growing conditions, there’s now a global shortage of fresh flowers, and people are turning to alternatives like dried flowers.”
‘Everlasting roses’ have been around for a while, and various companies sell hat boxes filled with preserved roses. These brands are starting to branch out into everlasting flowers, but roses are still the focal point.
How to Preserve Flowers Forever
So far, Mary-Anne has tested over 300 flower varieties. Using ingredients nobody else can source, she offers customers flower varieties they can’t get anywhere else.
But how do we create the most perfectly preserved flowers? Mary-Anne shares her tried and tested techniques.
The problem with drying out flowers is that they often lose their color and size, become shriveled, and their once bright tones become dull and lifeless.
Mary-Anne wanted to create unique techniques that essentially ‘freeze’ the flowers from the moment they get the stock in.
The Last Bunch source flowers that are just about to be discarded from suppliers and have tried hundreds of methods for preserving flowers with them.
How Do you Preserve Flowers?
Mary-Anne shares her top tips for flower drying and bridal bouquet preservation. With five methods to consider, choose the best way of drying out flowers that suits your needs.
How to Air Dry Flowers
Air-drying flowers requires the least equipment to preserve flowers. Firstly, remove any flowers from the stem you don’t wish to keep. Then tie your flowers together with string or an elastic band at the end of the stem and hang them upside down on a hanger, nail, or coat hook. For best results, keep them out of direct sunlight while drying them, as this can affect the color of your flowers. After 2-4 weeks, natural processes will dry your flowers. Regularly check back on your flowers during this time. Once your flowers feel rigid and have a gentle rustle, they are ready to be taken down and placed in your home.
How to Preserve Flowers in a Book
Another way to preserve your flowers at home is to press them. Firstly, cut the stem of your flowers to the length you would like and find a thick book and place two sheets of wax paper on either side of the pages. Then place your flower at the center of the open book on the wax paper. Close the book, and after 3-4 weeks, your flower will be ready to be displayed. Pressed flowers look beautiful placed in a frame and on the wall. This presentation is a lovely way of having flowers from an important day in your life with you forever.
How to Use Silica Gel for Drying Flowers
Silica gel is a quick way of drying your flowers with excellent results. Firstly, trim the stems of your flowers and make sure your flowers are dry. Then, pour the silica gel into an airtight container. Then place the flowers face up in the gel and add more gel in and around the petals but do not drown it. Once you have done this, seal the container and leave it in a dry place. After 2-5 days, your flowers will have dehydrated enough to remove from the gel (some larger flowers might need up to 7 days). When the flowers are ready, remove them from the gel and brush off any excess gel from the petals and your flowers are ready to go!
How Does Glycerin Dry Flowers?
Glycerin is a fantastic way to always keep your flowers looking fresh. The flowers absorb the glycerin replacing the water in the flowers, which keeps them looking bright and fresh. Firstly, you want to cut the stems of your flowers and trim some leaves off.
Next, you need to cut diagonally across the bottom of the stem and combine one part glycerin and two parts warm water. Then place the stems in this solution and leave for 2-3 weeks. Check your flowers after two weeks; if they feel rubbery, they are ready to come out of the solution. Let your flowers air dry for a few hours, and then they are ready to be displayed for everyone to see.
How to Freeze Dry Flowers
Freeze drying is precisely how it sounds – you are freezing your flowers! Freezing keeps the same look and color as they were when they were fresh. Buying a freeze dryer can be very expensive. So, if you want to do this just once, it would be more beneficial to take it to a professional company that can do this for you. Freeze-dried flowers take all the moisture out of the petals and keep them smelling and looking fresh.
Now that you’ve learned how to keep a rose forever, complement your arrangement with home products from Shop LC!
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Third parties are not providing an endorsement of Shop LC goods or services. Shop LC is not providing an endorsement of third-party goods, services, or opinions.
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