Dried flowers have a special kind of magic. They hold onto their color and structure long after their fresh counterparts have faded, making them perfect for wreaths, arrangements, and everlasting décor. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless blooms to find the best varieties for drying—and today, I’m sharing my top picks and how I preserve them.
My Favorite Flowers for Drying
These flowers retain their shape, color, and texture beautifully when dried:
Gomphrena – These little globe-shaped flowers dry with their color intact, making them a staple in my designs.
Celosia – Whether it’s plume, crested, or wheat-type, Celosia keeps its vibrant hues and unique textures.
Marigolds – Often overlooked for drying, marigolds hold their deep oranges and golds wonderfully.
Amaranthus – Perfect for adding a touch of drama with their cascading tassels.
Statice – A drying classic, statice keeps its bold colors and papery texture. I spread the stems out to dry before bunching because these are particularly susceptible to mold when drying.
Cress – A hidden gem, cress dries beautifully and adds airy movement to arrangements.
Strawflowers – Almost made for drying, these hold their shape and color like a dream.
Ammobium - Similar to Strawflowers in feel but smaller is size and the perfect filler for dried arrangements.
Yarrow – A favorite for its sturdy structure and wide range of colors. Fun tip: I dab the flowers with Mod Podge and biodegradable glitter around the holidays for added charm.
Grasses – The perfect filler, grasses add softness and a wild, organic feel.
Sunflowers (‘Vincent’s Choice’) – Not all sunflowers dry well, but ‘Vincent’s Choice’ holds its shape and color best.
Eucalyptus – A drying essential, though it prefers cooler drying conditions like a basement or floral cooler, if you have one.
Cotton – Those fluffy white bolls hold up beautifully in dried arrangements. A designer favorite!
How I Dry My Flowers
Preserving flowers properly ensures they look just as beautiful dried as they do fresh. Here’s my tried-and-true method:
Harvest at the Right Time – The key to good, dried flowers is cutting them at their peak—before they start going to seed. This keeps them vibrant and prevents petal drop.
Prepare the Stems – Strip off any lower leaves that could trap moisture and cause mold.
Bunch & Tie – Gather small bunches of about 10 stems and secure them with twine or a rubber band. Keep the bunches loose enough for air to circulate.
Hang Upside Down – I hang my flowers in a dark, warm, well-ventilated space (except for eucalyptus, which dries best in cooler conditions).
Wait & Store – Drying takes about two to four weeks, depending on the flower and humidity levels. Once crisp, I store them in a dry, dark place to prevent fading.
Dried flowers are the gift that keeps on giving, adding beauty long after the growing season has ended. Whether you're making wreaths, arrangements, or just saving a little piece of summer, these varieties and techniques will help you preserve nature’s luxury all year round.
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