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Dried Flower Care: Do Dried Flowers Need Water?

A close up of pink and green dried flowers.

Kate Blott |

Dried Flower Care


Your dried flowers look wonderful! You've found a nice vase for them and arranged them beautifully, and now it's time to sit back and enjoy them. But how long will they last? What do you need to do to them to keep them looking good? Do dried flowers need water? Does it matter where you put them?


So many questions. Don't worry, we can help!


Do dried flowers need water?


No. It's as simple as that. Dried flowers will spoil if you add water. The drying process is what preserves them and makes them last for so long. Arrange your dried flowers as required, or in the case of wreaths, garlands, or decorations, hang and display them in a dry but airy place. Dried flowers & foliage remain a firm favourite for home décor as they are such a low-maintenance product. Brides and wedding planners love them as dried flowers can be bought months in advance and stored until it's time to prepare for the big day. Even better, dried flowers and foliage can be reworked, reused or even sold to recoup event costs - far more cost-effective and robust than fresh flowers. With good care, your dried flowers can last over two years!


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Dried Flower Care


Let's break down the different ways to keep your dried flowers in tip-top condition.


Storing Dried Flowers


If you aren't going to display your flowers straight away, knowing how to keep dried flowers can give them a longer life. Ensure they are stored carefully in a dry area to prevent damage and dampness, which can lead to mould.


Displaying Dried Flowers


When you come to display your dried flowers, use a dry vase - do not add water - or in the case of wreaths or garlands, hang them in a dry, airy place.


Cleaning Dried Flowers


Learning how to care for dried flowers will ensure they last as long as possible. Carefully wipe or dust flowers and leaves with a soft paintbrush, taking care not to damage the flowers or stems.


Preventing Dried Flowers From Fading


Don't leave in direct sunlight as this will cause the colour to bleach and fade.

 

Stopping Dried Flowers From Falling Apart


How can you keep dried flowers from falling apart? Direct sunlight can make them extra brittle and prone to breaking up, so protect them from this. Take care not to place them in a damp, draughty area, as this could lead to mould, or shedding of petals, flowers and leaves.


Saving Dried Flowers For Later


To store previously displayed flowers for another time, make sure they are lightly dusted, and quite dry before carefully boxing and putting in a dry place. This will help prevent condensation, and the development of mould - sadly, once it gets in, you won't be able to recover your flowers. Adding sachets of silica gel to the storage container can help.


As with the example in the image above-right, we also have a full range of glass and ceramics in different styles, finishes and colours that show off our products beautifully! If you are looking to do something different with your flowers, keep reading!


What can I do with Dried Flowers?


Whether you've bought dried flowers, been given dried flowers, or learned how to preserve dried flowers, you may be wondering what to do with them. The creative possibilities with dried flowers are huge. A glance at Pinterest or Instagram shows the work of many talented florists and crafters who use dried flowers to create displays, arrangements, bouquets, wreaths, and more. Why not check out our boards to get some inspiration? You may even decide to start a creative side hustle with all this new information!


Dried Flower F.A.Q.


  • How do you preserve dried flowers for keepsakes?

Once dried, flowers can remain in good condition for over two years if cared for, so they can be made into some nice keepsakes. Why not take a look at our article on how to display dried flowers for some ideas?


  • How do you preserve dried flowers in a jar?

'Jam Jar' flowers are a great way to preserve your dried flowers and display them. Make sure they're perfectly dry, and that the jar is clean and dry too, before putting them inside. Any moisture will cause mould to grow and the flowers to deteriorate. Direct sunlight is bad too and will cause the colour to fade and the flowers to disintegrate. Kilner-style jars are fab for keeping them extra airtight because of the little rubber seals on the lid. Pop on a shelf and enjoy!


  • What liquid will preserve dried flowers?

Dried flowers do not require any water, in fact, they shouldn't come into contact with liquids, moisture, or general dampness, as this will allow mould to grow and spoil the flowers. If you are looking for 'preserved' flowers, these are different altogether, and we recommend our post on Dried Vs. Preserved Flowers to guide you through the differences.


Are you ready to get creative?


We hope you're feeling inspired to make something amazing with our dried flowers. Why not share your designs and makes with us on social media? There's nothing we like more than to be tagged on Instagram when you've made something beautiful using our products. If you would like to have your design or installation featured on our story, just get in touch!

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