Dried Flower Care Guide

How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?

Properly cared for, dried flowers are genuinely lasting. Most arrangements remain beautiful for two to five years, and many hold their form and warm, earthy tones well beyond that. The key is environment: a dry room with indirect light and a stable temperature is where dried blooms truly thrive. Think of them less like fresh-cut flowers with a ticking clock, and more like a treasured object - one that grows more characterful with time. Set your expectations accordingly, and you may be surprised by just how enduring they are.

How Long Do Preserved Flowers Last?

Preserved flowers are a different thing entirely. Unlike dried blooms, which are simply dehydrated, preserved flowers are treated with glycerine or a similar solution that replaces the plant's natural moisture, keeping petals soft and supple to the touch. The result is extraordinary texture and colour. However, this process means they respond differently to their environment. Expect preserved flowers to look their best for one to three years. After that, colours may shift and petals may lose some of their softness but they remain beautiful in their own, evolved way.

Keep Your Dried Flowers Away from Water

Moisture is the single greatest threat to dried flowers. Because the drying process removes all water from the stems and petals, any reintroduction, whether from a humid room, a splash, or even prolonged condensation can trigger mould and cause rapid deterioration. Avoid placing arrangements in bathrooms, above kitchen sinks, or near any source of steam. On particularly damp days, consider moving your flowers to a drier part of the home. The same principle applies to preserved blooms, which can become tacky or seep glycerine when exposed to humidity.

• If your arrangement does get caught in unexpected rain, gently shake off any drops and move it to the warmest, driest spot you have. Don't panic, a little goes a long way.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

The rich burgundy of a dried rose, the dusty blush of a protea, the sandy gold of dried pampas - these natural tones are part of what makes dried flowers so beautiful. Direct sunlight, however, contains UV rays that break down colour pigments over time, fading blooms faster than they would naturally age. Position your arrangement in indirect light or a softly shaded corner, away from south-facing windows with no filter. A spot that receives gentle morning light, bright without being harsh, is ideal. Your blooms will hold their warm, considered palette for far longer.

Dust Your Dried Flowers Regularly

A light dusting every few weeks keeps your arrangement looking its effortless best. Use a soft-bristled brush, a clean make-up brush is perfect, a feather duster, or a hairdryer set to cool and held at a gentle distance. Work from the top of the arrangement downwards, using light, sweeping motions. Never use water, damp cloths, or any cleaning product. The petals and stems of dried flowers are delicate - patience and a featherlight touch are all that's needed.

Avoid Heat Sources

Radiators, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves make a naturally atmospheric home, but they're not friends to dried or preserved flowers. Intense heat can make stems brittle and cause petals to crumble or drop prematurely. For preserved flowers in particular, high temperatures can cause the glycerine treatment to seep, leaving an oily residue on surfaces below. Keep your arrangement at least a metre away from any direct heat source, and be mindful of seasonal changes - what felt like a cool corner in summer can become a warm one once the heating goes on.

Caring for Preserved Eucalyptus & Preserved Roses

Our sustainably sourced preserved eucalyptus and preserved roses are among the most tactile, luxurious pieces we work with and they deserve a little extra consideration. Both are treated with glycerine to maintain their soft, supple feel, but this also means they are sensitive to warmth and humidity. Be aware that not all preserved botanicals are fully colourfast; deep hues like rich burgundy or forest green may transfer onto pale fabrics, wallpaper, or surfaces. We recommend placing them in a vase or vessel, or displaying them where contact with soft furnishings is minimal. Treat them as you would a cherished textile, with care, and a little foresight.

Storing Dried Flowers Before a Wedding

One of the great advantages of choosing dried flowers for your wedding is the freedom they offer. You can order your arrangements one to four weeks in advance, giving you one less thing to think about in the days before your celebration. Keep everything in its original packaging, laid flat or standing upright in a cool, dry room away from humidity, sunlight, and heat. Avoid garages, attics, or conservatories, where temperatures can fluctuate. A spare bedroom or wardrobe works beautifully. When you're ready to arrange them, unwrap gently and allow them to breathe for a few hours before the big day.

Important Safety Notes

Our dried and preserved flowers are decorative and not intended for consumption. Please keep them away from children and ensure they are not within reach of pets, as some botanicals are toxic to cats and dogs. Certain pieces in our collection use natural dyes or bleaching processes to enhance their colour; these are clearly noted in individual product descriptions. If you have specific sensitivities or allergies, please get in touch before ordering and we'll be happy to guide you.

• Not suitable for homes with pets who access all surfaces. Not edible.