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Dried Flowers 101: All Your Questions Answered

A colourful bouquet of dried flowers in a white vase.

Dried flowers are increasingly becoming a popular choice for home/office decor, gifts, and even weddings. This is because they require little to no maintenance and last about two years or more (if you’re careful), offering unmatched value for your money.

But before you make your pick, you may have many questions that will lead to you making an informed decision. Since we’ve been in the business of providing high-quality dried flowers for bouquets, decor, and arrangements, we thought we’d take this opportunity to impart our knowledge.

Here are our answers to some commonly asked questions related to dried flowers.

What Can I Do With Dried Flowers?

Dried flowers can be incorporated into a flower bouquet or your faux flowers in a vase. You can invent countless creations using these blooms. From bridal bouquets and floral arrangements to home decor and table centrepieces, they can be used in anything you typically use fresh flowers for.

You can combine contrasting dried flowers and dried palm leaves and keep your creation in a tall vase for a dramatic effect. Alternatively, you can utilise a statement flower coupled with foliage, pampas grass, and three different flower types for bigger, more complex dried flower arrangements.

How Can I Clean My Dried Flowers?

Your dried flowers may get a little dusty and require cleaning from time to time. Here’s how you can go about this:

  • Use the lowest, no-heat setting on your hairdryer to remove non-sticky particles from your dried flower bouquet.
  • Use an air compressor from a distance to remove the harder-to-remove dust particles.
  • If you have a relatively sturdier floral arrangement, you can even use a feather duster to dust your flowers.

Are Dried Flowers More Expensive Than Fresh Flowers?

Given the sustainability, longevity, and durability of dried blooms, they cost significantly less than fresh ones. A fresh flower bouquet will only last you a week or ten days, depending on how well you care for them. In contrast, dried flowers can last up to two years. Moreover, since you won’t be throwing away your dried flowers as frequently as the fresh ones, you’ll help save the environment and keep it pollution-free. 

Since most of the dried flowers are locally grown and sourced, they require no air miles–hence reducing the overall carbon footprint.

How Can I Care for My Dried Flowers?

The following are some precautionary steps you can take to ensure your dried flowers keep their shape and colour for a couple of years:

  • If you live in a humid environment, ensure your flowers are dry and keep them in a cardboard box.
  • Don’t fluff or touch them too often.
  • Keep them as far away as possible from humid areas.
  • Make sure there are no ventilation grilles nearby.
  • It’s better to keep them indoors and out of direct sunlight.
  • Don’t apply any liquids or water to your dried flowers.

Do Dried Flowers Smell?

No, dried flowers lose their scent during the drying process. Since most of its natural fragrance will likely be gone by the time they’re dry, you can use the available scents to make them smell nice. However, make sure you’re not directly spraying any mist on your dried arrangements.

Doing this can cause your blooms to wither. You can instead dab a tiny amount of fragrance onto the bottom of the stems. The scent will then be soaked by the flower.

How Long Will My Dried Flowers Last?

Your dried flowers will last 2-3 years if you keep them in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. They can last 6 months under harsh circumstances, so, if you’re taking care of them, expect them to remain intact for at least a couple of years.

Their lifespan also depends on the specific species of flowers, so it’s best to discuss these things with an experienced florist beforehand. If you’re looking for more longevity, you can consider picking bleached and dyed blooms.

A group of blue flowers sitting on top of green leaves.

When picking your flowers for bouquets, consider dried versions for longevity, sustainability, and eco-friendliness.

Are Dried and Preserved Flowers the Same Thing?

While dried and preserved flowers may look the same, they’re entirely different in terms of the preservation processes used. The two types of blooms also have different levels of vibrancy, appearance, and longevity.

Dried flowers are natural flowers that have been dried using one of the various drying methods available. They are then coloured and set to help them retain their natural shape. These flowers lack flexibility and moisture, making them more delicate than preserved flowers.

On the other hand, preserved flowers are created with the help of chemicals, including Glycerin, that are absorbed by the flower to replace the sap and rehydrate the stems. Compared to preserved flowers, these blooms are nearly identical to fresh flowers and present a softer look.

How Long Does It Take to Dry Flowers?

The specific timeline for the drying process varies based on specific species and the outside temperatures. Typically, it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the entire procedure. We recommend leaving your flowers untouched for the entire time until they’re completely dry.

Are Some Flowers Easier to Dry?

Yes, while it’s relatively straightforward to dry all flowers, some flowers, such as those with a small sepal, are even easier to dry. Their small sepal typically holds the petals tightly together, which offers better results. If you’re new to dried flowers and want to DIY, you can consider some of the following blooms for your project:

  • Yarrow
  • Strawflower
  • Statice
  • Sea holly
  • Salvia
  • Rose
  • Pansy
  • Lavender
  • Hydrangea
  • Honesty
  • Gomphrena
  • Delphinium
  • Coneflower
  • Woolflower
  • Thistle
  • Baby’s breath
  • Astilbe
  • Amaranth
  • Ageratum

What Are Bleached Flowers?

Once a flower is dried or preserved, they’re often put through the bleaching process, which changes their original colour. Once all of their original pigment is removed, you can use food dyes or other colouring materials to create differently-hued flowers.

Ready To Have Your Pick?

Dried flowers have taken the decor market by storm. These blooms last longer, are more eco-friendly, and comparatively more budget-friendly. With all of the common FAQs answered, we hope you’re ready to buy your first-ever dried flower bouquet. Head on over to our shop and have your pick now!

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