All About Preserved and Dried Flowers
Fresh cut flowers are beautiful and they tend to smell amazing. However, it may not be a practical choice as they last about a week or so on average. This prompts many to ask what are the alternatives to fresh flowers?
Preserved and dried flowers are a great substitute for fresh flowers! Not only do they last longer and are cost-efficient but they do retain the beauty of the blossom in a rustic and trendy manner. If you want to know all about preserved and dried flowers, then do read on to find out more.
What are Preserved Flowers?
Preserved flowers are real flowers that have undergone a special preservation process to maintain their appearance, texture, and colour for an extended period. This process typically involves
Cutting the fresh flowers at the peak of their bloom
Going through a precise high-tech rehydration process to maintain their original shape. The preservation solution (often a mix of glycerin, other stabilisers and water) replaces the natural fluids in the flowers and plant material, allowing them to retain the suppleness.
Colours are then reintroduced hence they have vibrant shades that can last for several months or even years.
Preserved flowers are popular for their longevity and minimal maintenance compared to fresh flowers. They’re often used in decorative arrangements, jewelry, and crafts, making them a versatile option for both personal and professional projects.
What are Dried Flowers?
Dried flowers are flowers that have been dehydrated by different methods like air-drying, silica drying, freeze-drying, microwaving, pressing etc.
The best-known method to dry flowers is by
Air Drying - hanging them upside down out of the sun with good air circulation until they dehydrate. Watch the video on how to air dry flowers here: https://www.botanystudio.com/blog/air-drying-flowers
Silica drying - submerge flowers in silica gel crystals, which absorb moisture. This method preserves the flower shapes and colours well but can be more time-consuming and requires specific materials.
Pressing - place the flowers between sheets of parchment or wax paper, use a heavy book or a flower press to apply even pressure. Great for flowers that can be flattened.
When the flowers are completely dried, they can be given additional colouring and setting treatments to restore some of their previous appearances, but this is not necessarily required. Many flowers may be dried organically, and while they will lose a lot of their original colour, you will still have a lovely product with a rustic feel.
How long do preserved and dried flowers last?
Preserved flowers with the correct care can last more than 1 year, even up to 3 years. Dried flowers can last up 1-2 years. However, over time, they may become more fragile and lose their vibrant colors.
How to care for and store preserved/dried flowers?
Avoid storing your flowers under direct sunlight (UV light will cause colours to fade)
Keep them dry (when wet, preserved flowers will start to grow mold)
Additional Florist tip: Use Hairspray over flowers to keep them from falling
Preserved or dried flowers are a terrific way to create a variety of unique floral arrangements. Because of their durability, they have a high economic value. Aside from the apparent benefit of not having to water your flowers, they have the added benefit of being available all year round making them easy to utilise any time of the year. If you are interested in creating your own preserved flower arrangements, join our Preserved Floral Jar Workshops which are available all year round.