We’re big fans of dried flowers here at Bunches HQ. You may already know how sustainable, eco-friendly, low maintenance and long-lasting dried flowers are, and seen our lovely selection of these preserved blooms. However, we know that meaningful moments also come from fresh flowers, and that you may want to keep the memories associated with these for longer than their lifespan.

Below, we have a look at some frequently asked questions about drying flowers, including how to do it!

What are dried flowers?
Dried flowers are blooms or foliage which have been dried out to preserve their beauty and extend their lifespan.

Why should I dry flowers?

Drying flowers reduces waste and keeps both your memories and the beauty of your blooms alive for months, even years, after they would have naturally faded.

What can I do with dried flowers?

You can turn dried flowers into a bouquet, a wreath, an arrangement, or frame them as a piece of art - dried flower décor has a number of options!

Which flowers can I dry?

Whilst you can dry any flower, some flowers are more highly recommended for this process than others. Gardener’s World suggests:

• Lavender

• Hydrangea

• Roses

Other flowers recommended by Better Homes and Gardens include:

• Amaranth

• Globe Thistle

• Strawflower

• Gypsophila

• Pansy

• Peony

How long do dried flowers last?

Uncovered dried flowers typically last between one and three years if cared for properly.

How long does it take to dry flowers?

According to the RHS, “dried [flowers] should be ready to use in 2 or 3 weeks, but some can take a bit longer depending on the moisture levels in the plant material.”

How do I dry flowers?

There are a few different methods for drying flowers, including pressing flowers (which we explored in this article). Other methods include air drying, using silica gel or glycerine, or using a microwave or oven.

The best way to dry flowers is subjective, but let’s look at how to air dry your flowers. All you need for this is a rubber band, some string, and a cool room out of direct sunlight with a dry atmosphere and good ventilation (such as a spare room, shed, or garage).

• Select good quality flower stems.

• Inspect each stem and get rid of any insects, blemished petals or florets, and remove unwanted leaves.

• Tie the stems together in loose bunches of six to ten stems (depending on flower size). Cut the ends of the stems so each bunch is the same length.

• Tie the bunches with a rubber band or string, and hang them upside down in the allocated room. Make sure to leave a few centimetres between each bunch.

• Regularly check the flowers for mould and move them to a more suitable location if needed. Remove any mouldy stems or flowers as necessary.

• They should be ready in 2 or 3 weeks, but it could take a bit longer so don’t worry if your dried flowers need a bit more time!

Dried flowers let you keep your meaningful moments with you for longer. If you want to know more about the benefits of dried flowers, why not have a read of our post on five reasons to love dried flowers?

If you’re considering experimenting with drying flowers, you can look at our wonderful collections of fresh blooms at bunches.co.uk, any of which would look beautiful dried. Alternatively, you can cut out the DIY and order some ready-made dried flowers from us!