No matter what the reason or season, a bouquet can be a very touching gift. However, it can also be bittersweet, since cut flowers have such a short lifespan. From a closed bud, they only last about two weeks at most until they wilt away. Knowing how to preserve flowers by drying a bouquet can be a great option if you want a special arrangement to last well beyond a fortnight.
Air-drying a bouquet is the simplest way to preserve flowers and takes no special equipment or know-how apart from simply hanging the blooms upside down in the right place at home. "The advantages of displaying a dried bouquet over fresh flowers are many," says Davin Eberhardt, founder of DIY home and landscaping site Nature of Home. "They are a fantastic choice for people looking for a low-maintenance display. They also have a distinctive, rustic appearance that can give a place personality."
Instead of watching a fresh bouquet wilt as the days pass, preserving the flowers retains their shape, albeit in a more ghostly pallor and texture. And as long as you're careful, you can continue displaying a dried bouquet for years to come — the experts say that a dried bouquet can last up to three years, at which point, it may start shedding its petals.
Here's how to preserve flowers by drying a bouquet, according to the experts.
How to Dry a Bouquet
Preserving flowers by drying them is simple, and the starting process takes just a minute. "Remove any excess foliage from the stems, then bundle the stems together using twine or a rubber band, ensuring it's not too tight," says Lina Cowley, editor of gardening website TrimmedRoots.com. "Finally, hang the bouquet upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area." The best places to do this at home are in a closet, utility room, or attic with a low humidity level.
The reason why most flowers are dried upside down is because this helps keep the stems straight. It's also important to start this process when the flowers are at their peak, not after they've started to lose petals, as the resulting dried bloom will be weaker.
From there, it doesn't take long for a bouquet to completely dry out. "Air-drying flowers can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on factors like humidity and the type of flower," Cowley says. "To speed up the process, increase air circulation by placing a fan nearby, but be careful not to blow directly on the flowers."
You'll know your bouquet is ready when the flowers have lost all of their water content and their petals feel like paper. At this point, you can display them right-side up in a vase without water if you choose.
Can You Dry Flowers Without Hanging Them?
While you can preserve pretty much any flower by drying it upside down, certain varieties can air-dry upright and still maintain their structural integrity.
Look for "sturdy stems and dense petals," as Cowley recommends, before you try air-drying any flower right-side up. "Some plants, like hydrangeas, can be air-dried without hanging them upside down. Simply place them upright in a vase without water, and they'll dry naturally over time."
Plants that air-dry well: Baby's breath, bunny tail grass, dahlias, eucalyptus, hydrangeas, lavender, pampas grass, protea, roses, statice
Caring for a Dry Bouquet
While preserving flowers means that you'll be able to enjoy them for longer, keep in mind that their look (and scent) will be very different from their fresh form."They might not smell as good as freshly cut flowers, and the colors might deteriorate with time," says Eberhardt.
When completely dried, preserved flowers are very fragile, and once you've arranged them in an upright bouquet, resist the urge to fuss with them any more than you need to. A light pass with a feather duster is all you need to keep them from getting dusty and covered in cobwebs. "Just remember to handle them with care and keep them out of direct sunlight to maintain their appearance," says Cowley.
Melanie Yates
Senior Service Editor
Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.
