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There’s something magical about decorating your home with a Christmas wreath made from dried flowers. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with a touch of nature and creativity, especially if you’re someone who loves the sustainable and seasonal vibe of outdoor dried flower arrangements. But here’s the truth: dried flowers, as beautiful as they are, don’t naturally thrive in the damp, unpredictable British winter.
That said, if you manage your expectations and embrace the charm of their fading colours and textures, dried flowers can make stunning outdoor wreaths that look lovely all through the festive season. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to create a wreath that’s not only durable but also uniquely enchanting.
The best dried flowers for outdoor Christmas wreaths include hydrangeas, statice, strawflowers, seed heads, and grasses. These are durable, retain colour well, and add rustic charm, even as they fade in winter weather.
Why Use Dried Flowers for Outdoor Christmas Wreaths?
Let’s face it: fresh flowers are gorgeous but fleeting, and artificial flowers? Well, they often lack the soul of the real thing. A few years back I saw birds trying to peck at the plastic berries on my wreath and that was the death nell of anything plastic on my outdoor arrangements (although, to be honest that is true for indoor arrangements these days too). Dried flowers, on the other hand, hit the sweet spot. They’re eco-friendly, long-lasting, colourful and have that perfectly imperfect, boho look that so many of us love.
Using dried flowers in outdoor dried flower arrangements, like Christmas wreaths, is a great way to add a personal, handmade touch to your festive decorations. Plus, since you can grow and dry many of these flowers yourself, it’s a sustainable option that connects you to the seasons.
But here’s the catch: dried flowers aren’t invincible. They’re happiest in dry, moisture-free environments, so popping them outside means they’ll inevitably face some wear and tear and they won’t last forever. Think of it as part of their charm. Over time, their colours might fade and their textures soften, but this only enhances their rustic appeal.
The Best Flowers for Outdoor Dried Flower Arrangements
When it comes to outdoor Christmas wreaths, not all dried flowers are created equal. The key is to choose blooms that are naturally sturdy or surprisingly resilient. Here are some of the best candidates:
1. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are a classic choice and for good reason. They might look delicate, but these blooms are tough as nails. If left on the plant, they can survive the entire winter, which makes them an obvious choice for outdoor wreaths. Their fluffy heads add volume and texture, and even as they fade, they retain a soft, muted beauty.
2. Statice
Statice is another winner. Its papery petals and stiff stems hold up remarkably well in the elements, and it retains its vibrant purple, blue, or white shades for ages. It’s also wonderfully versatile and easy to work into any design.
3. Strawflowers
Strawflowers are as robust as they come. Their glossy, papery blooms are naturally resilient and hold their shape and colour well. Just one tip: their stems can be a little flimsy, so wiring them before adding them to your wreath is a smart move, otherwise you may end up with a lot of heads at the base of your door.
4. Seed Heads and Grasses
Seed heads like poppy pods, teasels, alliums and honesty are perfect for adding structure and interest to your wreath. Similarly, ornamental grasses bring an airy, whimsical touch that works beautifully with a boho aesthetic.
5. Wild Clematis
Wild clematis seed heads are a dreamy addition to any wreath. With their delicate, feathery textures, they bring a soft, natural, and rustic look that perfectly complements a boho aesthetic. They’re also wonderfully resilient, holding up well even in the face of winter weather.
6. Astrantia
Astrantia adds a similar rustic charm with its intricate, star-like blooms. Its muted, earthy tones create a subtle elegance, making it a versatile option for a wide variety of designs. Despite their delicate appearance, astrantia flowers are surprisingly robust and handle outdoor conditions well.
7. Dahlias
Dahlias are a showstopper in any arrangement, offering a wide range of vintage colours when in the dried form, that brighten up an outdoor wreath. However, their stems can be fragile, so wiring is essential to secure them in place. That said, dahlias are tricky to dry so I’m not massively inclined to ‘waste’ them on an outdoor wreath unless I have a lot going spare.
8. Zinnias
Zinnias are another colourful contender, with hues ranging from jewel tones to soft pastels. They dry well under the correct conditions and they’re sturdy enough to withstand outdoor exposure while adding vibrant pops of colour. Their symmetrical, daisy-like shape brings a cheerful touch to any festive arrangement.
I have to say that if you only use dried flowers in the wreath, then I would be inclined to keep it inside to maximise it’s life span.
The Ingredients in My Christmas Wreaths
When it comes to crafting a festive wreath for my front door, I love to mix fresh, traditional Christmas greenery with little bursts of dried flowers and the odd cluster of berries (if I can find them!). It’s all about that perfect balance of rustic charm and seasonal cheer.
That said, I’m always mindful of the birds. If I’m foraging for berries, I make sure there’s an abundance to go around—after all, they need those bright little treats far more than my wreath does. Sadly, over the years, I’ve noticed fewer berries in the hedgerows, which has nudged me towards relying more on dried flowers for a pop of colour. And honestly? It’s been a game-changer. Those vibrant dried blooms bring a unique, long-lasting beauty that keeps my wreath looking fabulous throughout the season!
This mix of fresh and dried ingredients gives my wreaths a natural, boho feel—perfectly imperfect, just how I like it.
Styling Ideas for Outdoor Dried Flower Arrangements
When it comes to designing your wreath, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer something minimalist or abundant, there’s a style to suit every personality. I tend to use a 10 inch wreath base, such as this one on Amazon. Once you have added a generous amount of foliage then the wreath easily becomes a 20 inch (50cm) diameter wreath.
Minimalist Designs
For a simple and chic look, stick to a neutral palette of seed heads, grasses, and evergreens. Add subtle accents like ribbon or a few hydrangea blooms for a pop of interest.
Abundant Boho Wreaths
If you’re all about the drama, go wild with layers of flowers, seed heads, and natural elements. Combine strawflowers and statice with pinecones, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
If you want some ideas take a look at my Christmas Wreath Pinterest page. Of if you prefer to purchase a wreath then take a look in my shop.
Care Tips for Long-Lasting Outdoor Wreaths
After covering the ideal conditions for caring for your dried flowers here, placing them outside disregards all of these rules. While no dried flower wreath is immune to the elements, these tips will help keep yours looking its best:
• Shelter It: Avoid placing your wreath in direct rain or harsh winds. Instead, position your wreath in a sheltered spot, like under a porch or on a covered door, to protect it from heavy rain or snow. This simple step can significantly extend its life.
• Bring It In During Storms: If the weather turns particularly bad, don’t be afraid to take your wreath indoors for a day or two.
• Embrace the Imperfection: Remember, part of the beauty of dried flowers is their natural, weathered look. As colours fade and textures change, your wreath will take on a unique, rustic charm.
Creating outdoor dried flower arrangements, like Christmas wreaths, is a beautiful way to celebrate the season sustainably. By choosing sturdy blooms like hydrangeas, statice, and strawflowers, and preparing them thoughtfully, you can craft a wreath that will hold up to the British winter while looking utterly magical.
As you hang your creation, remember this quote:
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu
It’s a lovely reminder that beauty can be found in the slow, organic process of change—even in a fading flower. So, embrace the imperfections, get creative, and let your wreath tell its own unique story this Christmas.
