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Dried flowers hold a special kind of magic. They’re timeless, wild, and effortlessly beautiful—just like the nature-loving souls who adore them. Whether it’s a delicate wreath on your door or a rustic bouquet on the mantle, dried flowers bring a little piece of nature into your home that lasts far longer than fresh blooms.
But while dried flowers are low maintenance, they’re not completely hands-off. With a little TLC, you can keep them looking stunning for months—or even years. This post will share all the best tips for keeping dried flowers, including how to stop them fading, prevent shedding, and maintain their charm.
Let’s get stuck in, shall we?
How to Look After Dried Flower Arrangements
In general, to look after dried flower arrangements, avoid direct sunlight and humidity, dust gently using a cool hair dryer, and use hairspray to prevent shedding. Store arrangements in cool, dark places when not in use to help preserve their beauty and longevity.
Why Dried Flowers Deserve TLC
Let’s face it, dried flowers aren’t just decorations—they’re memories. Maybe you’ve carefully crafted a bouquet from blooms grown in your garden or splurged on a gorgeous handmade arrangement. Or, like me, created a keepsake from special flower arrangements. Either way, they deserve a bit of love to keep their unique beauty intact.
Unlike fresh flowers, dried ones don’t need water or trimming, but they’re still vulnerable to their environment. Without proper care, fading, shedding, and brittleness can quickly take over. By learning a few tricks for preserving dried flowers, you’ll enjoy their charm for much longer.
The Golden Rules for Keeping Dried Flowers Fresh
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Sunlight is wonderful for many things—boosting your mood, growing your veg—but it’s a dried flower’s worst enemy. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can bleach petals, dull colours, and make stems brittle.
I hung a christmas wreath on my door that contained dried hydrangea flowers. Whilst the wreath looked wonderful 3 weeks later, the hydrangeas that started off a wonderful red, had become a more subtle brown. The same flowers, displayed inside were still a vibrant red.
Tip:
• Display your flowers in shaded or dimly lit areas, like hallways, bedrooms, or corners away from windows.
• If sunlight can’t be avoided, rotate your arrangement every few weeks to minimise uneven fading.
Control Humidity and Temperature
Moisture is the enemy of preserving dried flowers, while fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on their structure. Humidity can cause mould, and excessive heat can make petals and stems crumble.
I created a dried flower arrangement in a tent for a party, thinking this would be the best solution for a weekend long party. However, due to a very rainy weekend the flowers looked decidedly droopy at the end of the 3 days, while the fresh flowers remained looking fabulous. This was totally unexpected.
Tip:
• Keep your arrangements away from bathrooms, kitchens, and radiators.
• A consistent, cool, and dry environment is ideal for maintaining their integrity.
Cleaning Your Dried Flowers the Right Way
Over time, dust will settle on your flowers, but cleaning them isn’t as straightforward as giving them a rinse. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep them looking fresh without causing damage.
Dusting with a Hair Dryer
A hair dryer on the cool setting is your secret weapon for cleaning dried flowers.
How to Dust Dried Flowers:
- Set your hair dryer to the lowest power and cool air setting.
- Hold it about 12 inches (30 cm) from the arrangement.
- Gently blow off the dust, focusing on those hard-to-reach petals.
This method is quick, effective, and won’t harm the delicate structure of your flowers.
Removing Build-Up Naturally
For stubborn dust, use a soft makeup brush or artist’s brush. Work gently and methodically, brushing away dirt without disturbing the petals.
Preventing Shedding and Petal Loss
Even the best-kept dried flowers will shed a little over time. However, there are clever tricks to slow this process down and keep them looking intact.
Use Hairspray to Stop Shedding
It might sound odd, but a spritz of hairspray is fantastic for maintaining dried flower arrangements.
How to Use Hairspray on Dried Flowers:
- Choose a light, unscented hairspray.
- Hold the can 30 cm (12 inches) away from your arrangement.
- Apply a fine mist over the flowers, ensuring even coverage.
The hairspray helps fix fragile petals in place and prevents excess shedding. Plus, it gives your flowers a subtle layer of protection against dust.
Handle with Care
Dried flowers are delicate, so treat them gently when moving or rearranging. Hold stems near the base to avoid snapping, and try to minimise contact with petals whenever possible.
How to Stop Dried Flowers Fading
While you can’t entirely prevent fading, you can slow it down and even embrace it as part of their natural charm.
Rotating Arrangements
If your flowers are exposed to some sunlight or bright indoor lighting, rotating them occasionally will prevent one side from fading faster than the other.
Protective Sprays and DIY Hacks
Specialised sprays designed for dried flowers can help prolong their colour and vibrancy. I have never used them, but you are looking for something like this one on Amazon.
Storage Solutions for Dried Flowers
When you’re not displaying your flowers, storing them correctly is key to preserving dried flowers.
Best Storage Tips:
• Wrap arrangements in acid-free tissue paper or kraft paper.
• Store them in a sturdy, sealed box in a cool, dark place.
• Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mould.
If you’re keeping seasonal decorations, like dried Christmas wreaths, these steps will ensure they’re ready to shine year after year.
Loving Your Dried Flowers for the Long Haul
Dried flowers are more than just decorations—they’re a reflection of nature’s enduring beauty. By following these tips for keeping dried flowers, you’ll not only preserve their charm but also reduce waste and celebrate the changing seasons.
As you care for your dried arrangements, remember that they’re meant to evolve over time, just like the wild landscapes they come from.
As the poet John Keats once wrote:
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.”
Your dried flowers may not last forever, but their beauty and the memories they carry will linger long after their petals fade.
Would you like more tips on creating or caring for dried flower arrangements? Let me know in the comments!
