Dried and preserved flowers are a beautiful, long-lasting alternative to fresh blooms. You may hear them called dried flowers, preserved flowers, or both. Whether they have been air-dried, freeze-dried, or preserved through other methods, the care is essentially the same. With their muted, earthy tones and timeless texture, they bring a warm, bohemian elegance to any space with no water and very little maintenance required.

What to Expect

Dried and preserved flowers are a natural product and each stem is unique. Colors may vary slightly from what you see in photos, as the drying and preservation process can affect hues depending on the variety and batch. Some shedding of petals, seeds, or small pieces is completely normal during handling and arranging. This is just the nature of dried and preserved botanicals and does not affect how beautiful they look in your final design.

It is also important to know that dried and preserved flowers are delicate by nature. While they are long-lasting, they can be fragile and may fall apart if handled too roughly or bumped hard. Always handle them with care and place them in a spot where they won't be knocked over or disturbed.

Care Instructions

1. Do not get them wet. This is the most important rule. Dried and preserved flowers should never be placed in water or exposed to moisture. Water will cause them to rehydrate, become soft, lose their shape, and eventually mold or fall apart. Keep them completely dry at all times.
2. Keep them in a dry environment. Display your dried or preserved flowers away from humidity, steam, and moisture. Avoid placing them in bathrooms, near kitchen sinks, or anywhere with high humidity.
3. Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will cause the colors to fade more quickly. A bright spot with indirect light is ideal for preserving their color as long as possible.
4. Handle gently. Dried and preserved flowers are more fragile than fresh ones. Handle them carefully and slowly to minimize shedding and breakage. A hard knock or bump can cause them to fall apart, so place them somewhere safe where they won't be disturbed.
5. Dust occasionally. Over time, dried and preserved flowers can collect dust. Use a soft brush, a hair dryer on the lowest cool setting, or a gentle puff of air to remove dust without damaging the blooms.

Pro Tips

• Some shedding is normal: Dried and preserved flowers will naturally shed some petals, seeds, or small pieces during handling and over time. This is completely expected and not a sign of poor quality. Place a tray or cloth underneath when arranging to catch any fallout.
• Spray with hairspray to reduce shedding: A very light mist of hairspray over your dried or preserved arrangement can help bind loose petals and reduce shedding. Hold the can at least 12 inches away and use a light touch.
• Mix with fresh flowers: Dried and preserved flowers can be beautifully combined with fresh blooms for a unique, textural arrangement. Just keep the dried stems out of the water to prevent them from getting wet.

How Long Will They Last?

With proper care, dried and preserved flowers can last for months and in many cases even longer, depending on the variety and environment. Keeping them completely dry, away from direct sunlight, and in a safe spot where they won't be bumped or knocked is the key to preserving their beauty for as long as possible.