The demand for long-lasting flowers with a rustic aesthetic has come to its peak. This week, we’re talking all about dried flowers, and how this trend has swept the industry up into a Pampas frenzy.

If you’re after a bouquet that needs very minimal upkeep, where the flowers last and last, then dried flowers will be right up your street.

What Are Dried Flowers?

Flowers have been dried and preserved for centuries, and this trend comes back every so often. However, we’re now seeing it with a modern twist. Vivid colours are paired together for a bright and beautiful bouquet, which looks amazing in a vase, or on a wreath.

Not only are they loved for home decor, but the wedding industry has seen a huge increase in demand for dried flowers too. From a bride’s bouquet to the groom’s boutonnière, dried flowers are perfect as they won’t wilt, and you won’t need to faff around with preserving your flowers to enjoy them for years to come - as the job has already been done for you.

But what are dried flowers exactly? Dried flowers are just normal flowers that have had their moisture removed from them entirely. This preserves their appearance and means they require little to no maintenance. That’s right, no watering, no soil, no trimming! They’re perfect for a pop of colour in the house, too.

What Can You Do with Dried Flowers?



There’s no limit to what you can create with your newly dried flowers. But here are just a couple of ideas to get your creative juices flowing...

Keep your dried flowers in vases - Dried flowers in a decorative vase are the pinnacle trend-setting piece that we have all seen on our Pinterest this year. They’ll look right at home on your dinner table or bookshelf!

Create a wreath - Wreaths are for every season, not just Christmas, and we stand by that statement. Whether you put them on your front door, on the wall, or even dangling from a shelf, wreaths are the perfect finishing touch to any room. To do this, all you’ll need is some craft wire and tie each flower to the wire.

What Flowers Can You Dry?



Want to dry your flowers at home? These plants are perfect for the job. Any kind of rose, peony, dahlia, or thistle will look superb in a display. Grasses like Pampas (of course), and eucalyptus add volume and variety, too. A vibrant display needs vibrant and colourful flowers, and they often keep their colour after they’ve been dried, so pick accordingly. Astrantia and Achillea, or even Baby’s Breath can also complete your look.

Here are some more flowers you can dry at home:

Delphiniums
Lavender
Poppies
Coneflowers
Herbs
Hydrangeas
Larkspurs
Pansies
Amaranthus

How Long Do Dried Flowers Last For?

Dried flowers can last two to three years! It’s recommended that you keep them out of direct sunlight, and avoid humidity indoors like in the bathroom. Bleached dried flowers can last a bit longer, but it all depends on how they’re dried and prepared, and where they’re then housed.

Can You Make Dry Flowers Yourself?



Absolutely! Just know that, as some flowers have a lot of moisture in them, these can be more difficult to dry. For example, lilies have a high water content, and it’s not recommended to try drying them.

How do you dry flowers? Well, there are a few ways to do this. If you have a fruit dehydrator, then you can use it on your flowers which is much faster. If you don’t have a dehydrator, then you can dry out flowers in the microwave!

To dry them in the microwave, follow these instructions...

Remove foliage from the flower (if you want to) and cut each stem so that they fit in your microwave-safe container. Then, fill the base of your container with about 1 to 2 inches of silica gel.

Point the flower up and pour gel over this too. Do each type of flower in groups rather than all at once, as each flower type will dry at different times. Put them in the microwave for maybe one minute each time till they are fully dried. Let them cool for a few hours, wipe off the gel, and prepare them for your decor!

It’s important to note that only fresh flowers should be dried. Flowers that are almost past their best or are fully bloomed won’t dry as well as freshly cut, almost-opened-but-not-quite flowers. You can also dry flowers by hanging them upside down in small bunches of 4-5 flowers. Use a rod in the middle of these bunches, as it gives each stem space to dry.