This will make you a dried and preserved flower addict

Everything you need to know about dried and preserved flowers in Australia

With all the dried floral arrangements popping up all over Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and even TikTok, it’s no wonder the trend is making way into our homes!

Dried and preserved flowers look great and last a lot longer than traditional fresh flowers. Of course, where to buy dried flowers is the number one question, but there’s more to know beyond that.

Here’s a quick rundown of our dried and preserved flower FAQs 

Dried and Preserved Flower FAQ's

Our arrangements are made from natural flowers which have been dried or preserved.
Unlike fresh flowers, which have to be replaced every few weeks, Estil florals last much longer!
What is the preserving method?
  • Botanicals are harvested just as a fresh flower would be before the markets
  • The plants are then placed in a solution of vegetable glycerine and water, sometimes dyes are added as well to enhance the product being preserved - this solution then replaces their moisture content.
  • They are then hung to dry 

What is the Drying method?

  • Botanicals are harvested just as a fresh flower would be before the markets - Sometimes they are even dried after they have been enjoyed as a fresh flower and its life has begun to fade away, giving new life to a once fresh product.
  • They are then hung in a suitable location with air circulation and minimal sun to protect their colour for a few weeks before being completely stripped of their moisture content.

What is the difference between dried and preserved flowers?

As you can see from the explanation between the two different processes above, dried flowers have had their moisture content removed completely from the stem and flower and preserved flowers have had their moisture content replaced with another substance

How long do your flowers last?

Estil flowers have a general shelf life of 1-7 years depending on their variety and how they are stored.  following the above guidelines will prolong their lifetime - We guarantee your flowers to last at least one year.
Do dried and preserved flowers have fragrance?
Preserved
During the preserving process the fragrance and pollen of the flower is removed - this means they are allergy friendly 
*we have a range of toxic-free fragrances you can use to add a scent to your flowers should you wish to!

Dried
Some dried flowers are still slightly scented such as roses and lavender
-Dried flowers still have traces of pollen

 

How do you care for Dried and preserved Flowers? 

Our dried arrangements are made to last, However, there are a few things you should consider doing to ensure you get the most out of your beautiful new bunches of goodness and keep them looking fresh:

 

  • Dried flowers do fade ever so slightly over time, keeping them out of direct sunlight for extended periods will ensure your flowers don't fade quickly and more than usual due to sun bleaching.

  • Place them upright in a vase or if you are storing them, place them in a box to protect the stems from being damaged in a cool, dry space.

  • To dust your flowers, use air in a can or a cool hair dryer on the lowest setting and gently re-fluff the arrangement.

  • Lastly, but most importantly, refrain from getting them wet or exposed to too much humidity.

 

If you can keep up with these simple care tips, then you and your products are going to have a lasting relationship!

Are dried florals better for the environment?

Yes! Many fresh flower offerings are grown overseas and leave behind a large carbon footprint. Dried flowers are 100% natural and biodegradable (unlike faux), not to mention less wasteful. Dried flowers are the perfect sustainable option

How to dry your own flowers

How to Air Dry Flowers

Flowers with high water content like lilies are not suitable for drying.

Flowers in full bloom are more likely to lose their petals when drying. Start the process sooner rather than later for optimal drying.

Some flower colours dry with more vibrancy than others do. Orange & yellow flowers dry with the most vibrancy, while purple and blue flowers can dry darker and pinks tend to fade.

1. Strip excess foliage from flowers and cut stems to the desired length. To help flowers retain their colour during the drying process, make sure to remove them from sunlight as soon as they’re cut. Hang flowers individually or rubber-band stems together (but not too many (8 max) - you don't want your flowers to get mouldy).

2. Find a dark, dry area with good air circulation (we have a rail hanging system with whirlybirds to keep the air circulating). Use twine or cotton to hang the flowers from the bottom of their stems and leave them for two to three weeks until completely dry.

3. Remove flowers from hangers and spray with unscented hairspray for protection.

Water + vase method

Place the freshly cut stems in a few inches of water and forget about them.
Once all the water is evaporated, the flowers should be upright and perky, but dry.
Crispy Hydrangeas Banksias and proteas are good choices for this method, as blooms with more tender stalks might droop so opt for the woody stem varieties.
 

Preserving

Coming soon

Waxing

Coming soon

There are other methods of drying and preserving flowers such as Silica gel, Freeze-drying, microwave drying and pressing flowers but we don't use these methods.

Any more questions?

Reach out! hello@estilhome.com

Estil Home.

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