With the right care, dried flowers can keep their beauty for a year or more. They need no water: simply keep them somewhere dry, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity, and gently dust them from time to time. They are a natural, long-lasting way to decorate your home with flowers.
What are dried flowers
Dried flowers are natural flowers from which the water has been removed through drying processes. As they lose moisture, they take on a firmer texture and softer tones, with a rustic, natural charm all of their own. They are different from preserved roses, whose sap is replaced with a special liquid that keeps the petals soft and silky for 3 to 5 years.
How long do dried flowers last
How long they last depends mainly on where they are kept. In a dry spot, with indirect light and little movement, dried flowers keep their shape and colour for a long time. As the months go by, it is natural for the tones to soften slightly, which is all part of their charm.
The main enemies of dried flowers are:
- Humidity: it can soften the stems and encourage mould.
- Direct sunlight: it fades the colours more quickly.
- Heat: it makes the flowers more brittle.
- Draughts and frequent handling: these can break petals and leaves.
How to care for dried flowers
Caring for them is quick and simple:
- Never put them in water. Dried flowers should always stay dry.
- Dust them gently: use a soft brush or a hairdryer on the cool, lowest setting, held at a distance.
- Handle them as little as possible: the flowers are fragile and can lose petals.
- Choose a stable spot: away from busy areas where they might be knocked.
- Move them if you notice damp: if the stems feel soft, move the arrangement to a drier space.
Where to display dried flowers at home
Because they need no water or upkeep, dried flowers suit many spaces:
- Living room: on a bookshelf, sideboard or side table, away from the window.
- Bedroom: on the bedside table or a chest of drawers, to create a cosy atmosphere.
- Hallway: on a console table, welcoming everyone who arrives with a natural touch.
- Study: on the desk, bringing colour to the workspace with no fuss.
- Dining table: as a centrepiece, on days without very hot dishes nearby.
Where to avoid placing them
Some spots shorten the life of dried flowers:
- Bathrooms and kitchens, because of steam and humidity.
- Windowsills in direct sunlight.
- Next to radiators, fireplaces or air conditioning units.
Dried, preserved or fresh flowers?
Each type of flower has its moment. Our fresh roses, picked in Ecuador at the peak of their bloom, last 10 to 15 days in the box and enchant with their fragrance and freshness. Preserved roses keep the look of a fresh flower for 3 to 5 years. Dried flowers offer a more natural, rustic aesthetic, ideal for those who love textured décor. To compare fresh and preserved roses, our article fresh or preserved roses: which should you choose will help you decide.
A gift that decorates too
Dried flowers are a practical and beautiful gift for anyone who loves interiors, for a new home or for someone with no time to look after flowers. Like all The Florist bouquets, they include a card with a personalised message, and we deliver across Portugal and Spain in under 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do dried flowers need water?
No. Water spoils dried flowers. They should always be kept somewhere dry.
How do you dust dried flowers?
With a soft brush or a hairdryer on the cool, lowest setting, held at a distance.
What is the difference between dried flowers and preserved roses?
Dried flowers lose their water and take on a firm texture and soft tones. Preserved roses have their sap replaced with a special liquid and keep their petals soft for 3 to 5 years.
Where should I not place dried flowers?
In bathrooms, kitchens, next to sources of heat or in direct sunlight.
To bring a natural, lasting touch to your home, our dried flowers collection brings together arrangements hand-prepared by our team.