The act of giving or displaying flowers is almost always connected to a special occasion or memory, like an anniversary or a wedding. Preserved flowers allow you to enjoy these special mementos for a longer period of time. Because of their natural look and long shelf-life, these flowers have become a favourite amongst brides to be, and a staple piece in home décor arrangements.
However, preserved flowers do require different types of care to ensure they last. Here are six things you need to know about these trendy botanicals.
1. Which flowers are the best to preserve?
Although most flowers can be preserved, sturdier flowers do achieve better results. The best flowers to preserve include:
- Roses
- Gerberas
- Chrysanthemums
- Daisies
- Carnations
- Peruvian lilies
- Billy buttons (Craspedia billy balls)
- Cymbidium orchids.
2. How long do preserved flowers last?
If they are cared for correctly, preserved flowers can last for a year and, in some cases, up to 35 years. The length of time that preserved flowers last for depends on the different methods used to display them.
Open-air display
If the preserved flowers are displayed in an open-air box or vase, the shelf-life of the flowers will be between 1-3 years.
Glass display
If you decide to store your flowers in a sealed display, they will last between 1-35 years. If you wish for your preserved flowers to last longer the best option is to get the preserving process done by a professional florist and not to do it as a DIY project. This is because most professional florists will have access to the best equipment and chemicals needed to make the flowers last longer.
3. What are the different display options to store your preserved flowers in?
There are countless crafty and creative ways to display your preserved flowers. Here are some of our favourites:
- A box or vase
- A picture frame
- Enclosed glass terrarium
- An epoxy resin mould
4. How do you take care of preserved flowers?
To make sure that your flowers retain their beauty and maximum shelf-life there are a few steps that you must take to ensure they last. Here are a few tips on how to keep your preserved florals looking fresh and natural:
- Do not water or spray perfume on them. Even if they look alive, they are not, and this can cause damage to the flowers.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from bright lights as this may cause the flowers to fade.
- Keep them out of humid rooms and away from ventilation grilles.
- Do not press, bend, or squash the petals or stems as they are delicate. The natural oils in your hands can damage the flowers and shorten their shelf-life.
- If your preserved flowers are displayed in a glass frame or case do not attempt to take them out of the case once it is sealed. If the seal is broken this can cause the deterioration process to speed up.
5. How do you clean preserved flowers?
If you have an open-air arrangement cleaning them can be a little tricky, however, you do have a few options.
- Spray compressed air (the kind sold to clean electronics) onto dried flowers to eliminate dust. The spray comes out fast, so make sure the can is not too close to the flowers.
- Use a hairdryer. When using it set it on the lowest speed and “no heat” to avoid damage to the flowers.
- Dust your dried flowers with a feather duster. This method will work best on sturdier arrangements.
6. Dopreserved flowers smell?
During the preservation process, the natural scent of the flower is taken away. No preserved flower will have the original scent that nature gave it. Most florists will add scents after the preservation process to give the flowers back their wonderful fragrance.
If you wish to give your preserved flowers a scent do not spray them with perfume as this can damage the flowers. Instead, you can place a few droplets of essential oils at the bottom of the box or vase to make it seem like the preserved flowers have a scent again.
For more information on preserved flowers browse our other Koch Blog articles What Are The Main Differences Between Dried & Preserved Flowers?and for more information on dried flowers browse our Guide to Dried Flowers.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of preserved flowers, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand expertise to delve into the intricacies of this fascinating topic. My passion for floristry and the preservation of botanical beauty has led me to explore and understand the nuances involved in making flowers last beyond their natural lifespan. Let's uncover the key concepts outlined in the article about preserved flowers.
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Best Flowers for Preservation: Preserving flowers involves selecting the right blooms. Sturdier flowers yield better results, and the article highlights several ideal choices:
- Roses
- Gerberas
- Chrysanthemums
- Daisies
- Carnations
- Peruvian lilies
- Billy buttons (Craspedia billy balls)
- Cymbidium orchids
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Longevity of Preserved Flowers: The lifespan of preserved flowers depends on the care and display methods:
- Open-air display (1-3 years)
- Glass display (1-35 years)
- Professional preservation ensures access to superior equipment and chemicals, potentially extending the lifespan.
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Display Options for Preserved Flowers: Creativity knows no bounds when it comes to showcasing preserved flowers. The article suggests various display options:
- Box or vase
- Picture frame
- Enclosed glass terrarium
- Epoxy resin mold
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Care Tips for Preserved Flowers: Maintaining the beauty and longevity of preserved flowers requires careful attention. Key tips include:
- Avoiding water or perfume, as preserved flowers are not living.
- Shielding them from direct sunlight, bright lights, and humid environments.
- Handling with care to prevent damage to delicate petals and stems.
- Not attempting to open sealed displays, as breaking the seal may accelerate deterioration.
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Cleaning Preserved Flowers: Cleaning preserved flowers can be a delicate process. The article suggests a few options:
- Using compressed air or a hairdryer on a low-speed, no-heat setting.
- Dusting with a feather duster, especially suitable for sturdier arrangements.
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Scent of Preserved Flowers: The preservation process removes the natural scent of flowers, but florists often reintroduce fragrances. Key points include:
- Adding scents after preservation to restore the flowers' fragrance.
- Avoiding perfume sprays, as they can damage the flowers.
- Placing essential oils at the bottom of the display for a pleasant scent.
In conclusion, the world of preserved flowers combines artistic expression with scientific preservation techniques. Understanding the best practices for selection, care, and display allows enthusiasts and brides alike to enjoy these timeless botanicals for extended periods, making them a cherished part of special occasions and home decor.
