The best flowers for dried bouquets
While fresh flowers fade, dried flowers are a fantastic way to have long-lasting natural beauty in your home. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of arrangements, from bouquets and wreaths to centrepieces and wall hangings. Almost any flower can be dried, indeed drying can be an excellent way of preserving flowers from a particular special occasion, like a wedding or a proposal.
When it comes to designing a dried floral arrangement in particular, there are different types of flowers and foliage that are best suited to create unique and beautiful arrangements. By understanding how to properly dry flowers, and which are the best flowers to choose for a dried arrangement, anyone can visit a local florist or flower farm and pick their own blooms to dry for a long-lasting bouquet.
How to dry flowers properly
First, it's important to choose the right flowers and foliage because not all are suitable for drying. Some may lose their colour or shape over time. The best flowers and foliage for drying are those that have a low moisture content and sturdy stems.
Flowers can be selected from a local florist or a local flower farm if you don’t grow your own. Once you've chosen the flowers and foliage for your bouquet, you can start the drying process. Gather a small bundle of flowers and tie the stems together with string or an elastic band. It's important to tie the bundle tightly so that the flowers don't slip out as they dry.
Next, hang the bundle upside down in a warm, dry, and dark place. Use a closet, attic, or any other dry location. It's important to choose somewhere that is well-ventilated, as moisture can cause the flowers to rot. You can also use a fan or dehumidifier to help speed the drying process.
Leave the flowers to dry for several weeks, or until they are crisp to the touch. The drying time will depend on the type of blooms you choose, as well as the humidity and temperature of the location. Check the flowers regularly to make sure that they are drying properly and not developing mould or rot.
Once the flowers are dry, they can be used to create a long-lasting bouquet in a range of elegant pastels, creams, and muted blues. If properly stored, dried flowers can last for years, bringing natural beauty and memories of summer days gone by to any home.
The best flowers and foliage to use for a dried bouquet
Lavender: Lavender is one of the most popular flowers for dried bouquets because of its delicate purple colour. It also has a soothing scent which, even when dried, is restorative and relaxing. This is why lavender is such a lovely addition to potpourri blends and sachets.
Baby's Breath: Baby's breath is often used in fresh bouquets, but it also dries beautifully. It is named for its tiny, cloud-like clusters of white flowers which add texture and volume to dried arrangements. Given its colour and lacy texture, it is a popular choice for bridal bouquets and other elegant arrangements.
Statice: Statice, also known as sea lavender, is a hardy flower that dries well, especially because it retains its colour so well. Its papery blooms come in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and white, so it is a great option for adding a pop of colour to dried arrangements. The smaller size of the individual statice flowers mean they can work in any scale of arrangement.
Globe Amaranth: Globe Amaranth is a small but mighty flower that is particularly well suited to drying because it retains its shape and colour so well. The Amaranth flowers are round or globe-like, and come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. Because of their height, Globe Amaranth is often used as a focal point in arrangements.
Yarrow: Yarrow is a sturdy plant that, when dried, still has the appearance of delicacy. It has feathery foliage and clusters of tiny flowers which come in shades of pink, yellow, and white, and are perfect for adding a rustic touch to dried arrangements. Yarrow is often used in country-style arrangements and is a great addition to wreaths.
Gomphrena: Gomphrena, also known as globe amaranth, is a small, globe-shaped flower that dries well and retains its shape and colour. It comes in a variety of bright colours, including pink, purple, and orange, making it a great addition to dried arrangements that need a pop of colour. Its small size also makes it a good option for adding texture to larger arrangements.
Zinnias: Zinnias are a popular garden flower that also dries well. They come in a variety of bright colours, including pink, red, and orange, and have a long vase life, making them ideal for dried arrangements. Zinnias also have a unique texture, with their petals curling up as they dry, adding an interesting element to any bouquet.
Grasses: Grasses are a great addition to dried arrangements because they add texture and movement. They come in a variety of colours and textures, from feathery to spiky, and can be used to fill in gaps or add height to an arrangement. Some popular grasses for dried arrangements include pampas grass, bunny tails, and wheat.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a classic flower that dries well and retains their bright yellow colour. They have a long vase life and are great for adding a pop of colour to dried arrangements. Sunflowers also have a unique texture, with their large, flat faces and spiky centres, making them a great addition to any bouquet.
Celosia: Celosia, also known as cockscomb, is a flower with a unique shape that dries well. Its spiky, flame-shaped blooms come in a variety of colours, including red, orange, and yellow, and add a distinctive element to any dried arrangement. Celosia is also a great option for adding height to an arrangement, as its blooms can reach up to 12 inches in height.
Millet: Millet is a type of grass that is often used in dried arrangements for its unique texture. Its feathery plumes come in shades of white, yellow, and pink, and can add a touch of whimsy to any bouquet.
Of course, these are just a few of the best flowers and foliage to use in dried bouquets. Remember that you can always experiment with different types of flowers and foliage to find the perfect combination for your home decor.
Get inspired by the local seasonal blooms around you! Visit a local flower farm and spend the day surrounded by nature, choosing your favourite flowers. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a beautiful and long-lasting dried bouquet that will bring natural beauty to your home all year round.
Where to pick flowers for a dried bouquet in the Okanagan
When picking flowers for a dried bouquet, it's important to choose blooms that are at their peak and have not yet begun to wilt. Visiting a florist or flower farmer is the best way to ensure freshness. At a U-Pick flower farm like Sparrow Grass Field & Flower, flowers and foliage can be picked at peak freshness and then immediately dried.
The best time to pick flowers is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Look for flowers with sturdy stems and healthy foliage, and avoid any that are discoloured or damaged.
In the Okanagan, the fertile environment is perfect for a multitude of beautiful flowers which are particularly suited for dried arrangements. Sparrow Grass Field & Flower offers their U-Pick Flower Experience where visitors can select whichever flowers and foliage they wish, to create entirely custom arrangements.
Flowers can be selected to suit many needs as fresh-cut bouquets as well as dried ones. The true beauty of any dried arrangement comes from the hint of a summer scent, the whisper of August wind, that lingers in the long-lasting blossoms.