Dried Flowers and Grasses

Dried plants are natural flowers, grasses, leaves, or fruits that have undergone a drying process to retain their shape and usability in decorations without the need for water or maintenance. This method of preserving plants has been known for centuries and remains one of the most popular techniques in floristry.

The plant drying process

There are several methods by which plants are dried:

1. Traditional air drying – the most common method. Plants are tied into bundles and hung upside down in a dry, dark, and well-ventilated place. This preserves their colour and shape as effectively as possible.

2. Pressing – plants (e.g., flowers, leaves) are placed between sheets of paper and weighted down to dry flat. This method is used for herbariums or artistic decorations.

3. Drying with silica gel – the crystals absorb moisture, allowing the plant to dry while maintaining its details, shape, and colour (often used for delicate flowers).

4. Rapid heat drying – for example in a low-temperature oven or microwave using special absorbents.

5. Chemical drying – some plants are treated with chemicals that help remove water while also stabilising the structure.

Outcome and uses

Plants processed in this way:

• are long-lasting (lasting months to years),

• retain their shape and provide decorative appeal,

• are a more environmentally friendly alternative to artificial flowers,

• are used in bouquets, wreaths, arrangements, frames, or as standalone decorations.

The difference compared to stabilised plants is that dried plants lose their natural flexibility (they can be fragile), whereas stabilised plants remain pliable.