Dried Flowers & Preserved Flowers

Preserved flowers are a product of fresh flowers in bloom undergoing a preservation process. These fresh flowers undergo a drying process, followed by a dyeing technique involving the submersion of blooms in a dye solution, or spraying with colour. These processes allow flowers to maintain their natural appearance and texture, lasting years in preserved flower arrangements without wilting. 

Dried flowers are blooms that have been dehydrated to remove moisture. This process preserves their natural appearance and shape. Use these versatile botanicals to create a dried flower bouquet for long-lasting naturalistic beauty in your space.

The difference between dried and preserved flowers is a simple distinction:

• Dried flowers: Fresh flowers in bloom that are dehydrated to remove moisture, maintaining shape - but may lose colour.
• Preserved flowers: Fresh flowers in bloom treated with special solutions to maintain shape and add vivid colour. Preserved flowers often outlast dried flowers.
• Dried flowers offer a more natural appearance, while preserved flowers retain vibrancy for extended periods.

Yes, preserved flowers are real blooms that undergo a preservation process that enables them to retain their natural appearance and texture for extended periods. They're commonly used in preserved floral arrangements, offering lasting beauty without wilting or fading. 

When flowers for dried arrangements are preserved on a commercial scale, they undergo several preservation processes: 

• Treatment: Flowers are harvested at peak freshness, and then immersed in a preservative solution.
• Vacuum: Some methods involve placing flowers in a vacuum chamber to remove air and moisture, promoting greater longevity.
• Dyeing: Colour enhancement may be achieved by dye injection, immersion in tinted solutions, or dye spraying.
• Quality control: Each flower undergoes inspection to meet standards before packaging and distribution.

Preserved flowers can last for years with proper care, but since they are organic matter, they may eventually fade or deteriorate over time. While they offer long-lasting beauty compared to fresh flowers, dehydrated flowers, preserved flowers, or dried plants are not truly eternal.

Dried flowers can last for many years when properly cared for, but whether they are dried flowers in vase or dried flower petals, they may eventually lose colour or become brittle over time. While they offer long-lasting beauty, a dried bouquet is not indefinitely eternal.

Preserved flowers can last for several months to a few years, depending on factors such as the preservation method used, environmental conditions, and handling. With proper care, preserved or dried arrangements can maintain their beauty for an extended period of months or even years.

Dried flowers for decoration or floristry can last anywhere from several months to several years, depending on factors including the flower type, drying method, and storage conditions. With proper care, they can maintain their appearance and beauty for an extended period.

Dried flowers offer a versatile means for decorating events, workspaces, or home decor. Consider decorating with dried flowers in the following ways:

• Bouquets: Arrange dried flower bunch posies in vases or jars for a rustic centrepiece or room accent.
• Wreaths: Create wreaths using dried blooms for doors or walls.
• Wall art: Press dried flowers in frames for elegant botanical displays.
• Table settings: Sprinkle petals or small blooms on tables for a naturalistic confetti. Dried edible petals are a popular garnish for desserts.
• Potpourri: Combine dried flowers with herbs and spices for fragrant potpourri in organza bags.
• Garlands: String dried flowers together to make delicate garlands for home decor or event backdrops.
• Floral arrangements: Incorporate dried flowers into modern dried flower arrangements with fresh or faux blooms for added texture and variety.
• DIY projects: Use dried flowers in crafts like candles, soaps, or resin jewellery for unique homemade creations.

Yes, mixing dried and fresh flowers can add depth and contrast to floral displays. Just ensure the fresh flowers are kept hydrated while arranging, and consider their compatibility in terms of colour, texture, and longevity. Keep in mind that exposing dried or preserved flowers to water and moisture from neighbouring flowers will likely adversely affect the longevity of these usually long-lasting blooms. 

Yes, you can include dried and preserved flowers in candles as decorative elements. However, it's important to be cautious about how you incorporate them. Embedding dried flowers directly into the wax may pose a fire hazard when the candle burns. Instead, consider placing them on the surface of the candle or encasing them in transparent wax layers for safety.

Yes, you can frame dried florals to create botanical wall art. To frame dried flowers, carefully arrange them on acid-free paper or cardstock inside a frame with glass. Ensure the flowers are fully dried to prevent mould or deterioration.

To care for preserved flowers in the workplace or the home:

• Keep them indoors, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Avoid touching or handling them excessively to prevent damage.
• Dust them gently with a soft brush or compressed air.
• Keep them in a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity. This is especially true of bulk dried flowers kept by florists, or preserved flowers kept in tropical climates. Use humidity-absorbing methods such as moisture grabbers to prevent deterioration from mould and mildew. 

To care for dried flowers, whether they are wreaths or  large dried flower arrangements in the home, the steps are simple:

• Keep dried flowers away from direct sunlight, which can cause colours to fade.
• Avoid areas with high humidity to prevent mould and mildew.
• Handle flowers gently to avoid breakage or shedding.
• Dust them occasionally with a soft brush or hairdryer on a cool setting.

When you buy dried flowers or a preserved arrangement, take care to protect them from moisture, rather than provide it to them. Preserved flowers have been treated with a special solution to replace the moisture in their cells, allowing them to maintain their appearance without requiring water. Adding water to preserved and dried flowers can damage them and reduce their longevity. 

To clean dried flower arrangements:

• Use a soft brush or feather duster to gently remove dust and debris. Alternatively, use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to blow away dust. We recommend using compressed air on small dried flowers or hard-to-reach crevices in large dried flowers. For stubborn dirt, you can carefully dab the affected areas with a soft cloth or brush.
• Avoid using water or liquid cleaners, as they can damage dried flowers and accelerate deterioration.
• Display the cleaned arrangement in a dry, well-ventilated area to maximise the time between cleanings.