Dried Flowers

Growing and using plants for dried flower arrangements and crafts is a timeless art. Everlasting arrangements are the perfect accent for any décor and make a delightful gift idea. Many flowers and foliage retain scent after drying in a dual role as both freshener and decorative accent in a room. The following guide sheet contains only a small list of plants that we have found to be proven, excellent choices for the dried flower gardener. Want to know what certain flowers ‘mean’? See our ‘Victorian Language of Flowers’ Fact Sheet. We have also included many fresh cut flowers and foliages available from florists to expand your opportunities.

Some tips for success:

• Pick flowers and foliage in the morning after dew has dried.
• Use only fresh specimens at or before their peak of bloom for best color and fragrance retention.
• For most drying specimens, the easiest drying method is by tying bunches with cotton string or heavy duty rubber bands and hanging them upside down in a cool, low light, low humidity area. Other specimens – such as sunflowers, coneflowers, zinnias, pansies, and dogwoods - dry best if laid flat or pressed. Other proven methods, by silica gel, microwave, and low heat oven, will require more effort and some research. Different flowers and foliages require different amounts of time for complete drying depending upon the levels of humidity and light. Trial and error will be your guide. DO NOT use flowers or foliage if they have not completely dried as they will often wilt and/ or lose color.
• Store finished dried floral projects in the same conditions as possible as when you dried them (low light, low humidity, moderate temperatures) – it will lengthen the life of dried flowers

Companions to consider in use with dried flower crafts: Sliced or whole fruits and vegetables dried by oven or air, barks and branches, bird’s nests, mosses, pods and seeds, ribbons, butterflies, feathers, eggshells, seashells, ornamental grasses and grains, dried berries, and an inconceivable number of other found objects.

• Tools of the trade: Cotton string or rubber bands, glue gun or pan (low or high temp to preference), dry florist foam (Sahara foam) for stability in container arrangements, floral tape and stem wrap, ribbon, ribbon or fabric scissors (for the sole, exclusive purpose of cutting ribbon and other fabric), wire cutters, wooden picks, mosses to help hide foam in container arrangements,  floral wire, clear finishing spray/sealer to further help preserve work and reduce shedding and breakage. Colorful spray paints and tints are also available for dried floral arranging.

Be aware that dried flower arrangements, though often referred to as ‘everlasting’ arrangements, can by no means be considered so. They will eventually fade, shed or shatter, and collect dust. The typical span of life you could expect for a dried arrangement is 12-36 months. You may be able to resuscitate certain parts of old arrangements by using special floral spray paints (Design Master and Floralife are the better choices) for new looks or to alter your dried arrangements to keep pace with changing décor.

For your reference,

We have prepared a list of plants.

The file is in pdf format and requires Acrobat Reader.