A smell can bring you a range of memories and feelings. This is particularly the case with flowers; a fragrant Rose could transport you back to your wedding day, or a lovely Lily could remind you of a special birthday. Or perhaps you’ve received a beautiful bouquet (maybe from us here at Bunches!) and want to remember how you felt when you received it.

We’ve previously looked at pressing flowers and drying flowers, but if you’re someone who prefers to stop and smell the roses (or other flowers), you can take these options one step further and use your dried blooms to make potpourri.

What is potpourri?

The word potpourri originates from 18th century France, meaning ‘rotten pot’. But don’t worry, things have changed a bit since then! These days there are two definitions of potpourri, according to the Collins Dictionary:

1. [variable noun] a mixture of dried petals and leaves from different flowers.

2. [singular noun] a collection of various different items which were not originally intended to form a group.

We’re having a look at the first option – no rotten pots here, thank you very much!

Why should I make potpourri?

As well as reducing waste by repurposing your flowers, making your own potpourri means the scents are what you really want, and gives you the satisfaction of having made it yourself. Homemade potpourri is also free of any chemicals or preservatives that can sometimes be found in store-bought options.

Which flowers can I use for potpourri?

You can use any flowers for potpourri, so you can pick your favourites!

How long does potpourri last?

The smell of home-made potpourri can last for months, and you will be able to enjoy the beauty of your potpourri for years. You can extend its life by keeping it out of heat and direct sunlight. If you want to refresh the smell, simply add a couple of drops of scented essential oil to your bowl when the scent has faded and carefully mix it in.

How long does it take to make potpourri?

Home-made potpourri can take anywhere from two weeks to two months to make – but don’t let this put you off, as most of this time is spent waiting!

The process of drying your own flowers can take two to three weeks. Once you’ve mixed your petals and any extras along with the necessary oils, you can either use your potpourri immediately or leave it to infuse for four to six weeks. This wait gives the potpourri a stronger aroma which will last longer. The choice (and timeframe) is yours!

How do I make my own potpourri?

You will need:

• Dried flowers of your choice (recommended flowers with stronger scents include Roses, Liles, Honeysuckle, Lavender, Dianthus, or Chrysanthemum)

• Other items such as seed pods, pinecones, dried citrus peel, whole spices such as cloves and star anise, and/or cinnamon sticks

• A fixative (e.g. orris root, vanilla beans, angelica root, or myrrh gum). According to The Spruce, fixatives are “natural or synthetic substances that reduce the evaporation rate of the oil and water in your potpourri plants”, helping the aroma last longer.

• 1 bottle of scented essential oil of your choice (ideally one that matches the ingredients in your potpourri)

Once you have your dried flowers (which you can find out how to make using our handy how-to guide!), you will need to:

• Prepare your flowers by trimming any leaves and stems you may have left on them during the drying process. You can either remove the petals or keep the flowers whole.

• Place the dried flowers in a bowl. Add your extras of choice, a fixative, and 4-8 drops of your essential oil. Remember, you can always add more drops of fragrance, but you can’t take it away, so add it sparingly.

• Combine the dried flowers, extras, fixative and oil by gently stirring them, ideally with a wooden spoon.

• Display the potpourri immediately in a non-metal container, or place in an airtight container for four to six weeks before displaying it.

You can cut out drying your own blooms by using some of our delightful Dried Flowers, or alternatively you can enjoy some of our fresh blooms at bunches.co.uk!