Dried flowers are a colourful and easy way of bringing nature into your home. Here are the best flowers for growing and drying.
A cheerful bunch of flowers brightens any room. Filling a home with fresh blooms, however, can be an expensive and constant task. This is where dried arrangements, which last almost indefinitely, come into their own, saving money and time while simultaneously bringing joy into your space. Katherine, a preserved blooms florist, loves how dried flower arrangements offer a low-maintenance way to experience the great outdoors: ‘Nature brings us happiness. Having it in your home has a positive impact on life and mental health.’ Katherine has noticed the interest in dried flowers soar in the past few years. ‘In our busy and unpredictable lives, we are all learning to appreciate the small things,’ she says.
Florist and dried flower enthusiast Felicity has spotted a similar trend: ‘During the cooler months, people spend more time inside,’ she says. ‘Dried flower arrangements can become a real centrepiece in your house.’
As many more people think about our impact on the environment, sustainable interior-decor choices are gaining in popularity and dried flowers tick this box. Their innate longevity means they are an environmentally kind option as there’s no need to continually buy new blooms that require more resources for growth and transportation. For those who have a garden, there’s also the opportunity for home-grown and dried flowers, a rewarding process that encourages a slower, relaxed pace.
The best blooms for growing & drying
Hydrangea
Available in a wide range of colours from classic cream and magenta pink to lavender purple and cornflower blue, these large globe-shaped flowers make a stunning centrepiece.
Leave in a vase out of the direct sunlight to avoid too much petal-fading. If you want to grow them at home, bushes bloom in the late spring and summer and fare best in a garden that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade.
Banksia
The magnificent banksia plant makes a perfect focal point for a dried flower arrangement. With many varieties native to Australia, they are available in yellow, red, orange, and pink hues. Their serrated leaves add a spray of unique foliage to the bouquet, too.
Strawflower
Available in a rainbow of shades, these sunny flowers have a flutter of small petals around a central bud. This tough plant is already relatively dry, making it a great option for arrangements. It’s also a great one to grow; the seeds are found in the head, which means it can be replanted perennially.
Gypsophila
Otherwise known as baby’s breath, this delicate and whimsical white bloom looks lovely. Cut the sprays when the buds are partially open and tie together five to seven stems before hanging upside down to dry.
Lavender
This bushy, strong-scented plant forms an excellent display, either alone or as part of an arrangement. Great for bedrooms, the calming fragrance can help induce a deep sleep. Gather bundles of fresh lavender and dry upside down.
Eucalyptus
One of the easiest and most affordable options for indoor greenery. Sprigs of fresh eucalyptus can be dried straight in the vase. As a bonus, the scent will fill your home with freshness.
Pycnosorus
Commonly known as billy buttons, these charming Australian native flowers dry beautifully thanks to their woody stems and simple spherical flowers. Playful and bright, they add golden pops of colour to any flower arrangement.
WORDS: Elizabeth Bennett
This article was originally published under the title How to dry, create, and care for dried flowers on BreatheMagazine.com.au. You can purchase previous issues and enjoy more enchanting content here.
