Dried flowers are beautifully unique. Each stem holds its shape and colour long after it's picked, making them a favourite among florists, stylists, and interior professionals. However, keeping them looking their best takes a little know-how.
Unlike fresh flowers, dried varieties are more fragile and less forgiving. A well-placed display can last for months, even years, with the right care.
We'll cover everything you need to know to keep your dried flowers looking fresh, from cleaning and storage tips to expert tricks for extending their lifespan.
Quick Reference Table: Dried Flower Care at a Glance
A well-cared-for arrangement can last far longer than expected. Use this cheat sheet to keep your dried flowers looking beautiful in any setting.
| Tip | Do | Don't | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | Keep in a dry, cool place | Avoid humid or steamy rooms | Prevents mould and moisture damage |
| Cleaning | Dust gently with a soft brush or cool hairdryer | Don't use water or sprays | Protects the structure and avoids staining or softening |
| Placement | Choose still, shaded spots away from radiators | Don't place near windows, vents, or kitchens | Reduces fading, damage, and petal drop |
| Handling | Support stems when moving | Don't rearrange too often | Minimises breakage and fall-out |
| Display Vessels | Use open vases or jars with airflow | Don't seal in glass or plastic containers | Reduces trapped moisture and keeps stems dry |
| Longevity | Rotate displays seasonally | Don't leave arrangements out indefinitely | Preserves colour and structure over time |
How to Preserve and Store Dried Flowers
Dried flowers last longest when they're kept in the right environment. Exposure to moisture, light, or movement can shorten their lifespan and dull their appearance. A few simple storage habits make all the difference, protecting their colour, shape, and texture over time.
Top 7 Care Tips for Preserving Dried Flowers
1 - Keep them dry:
Never place dried flowers in water or display them near steam, radiators, or bathrooms. High humidity can rehydrate the stems, leading to drooping, discolouration, or mould.
2 - Avoid direct sunlight:
Sunlight causes colour to fade more quickly, especially in delicate florals and dyed varieties. Choose shaded or indirect lighting to help maintain their vibrancy.
3 - Handle gently:
Dried flowers become more fragile over time. Always support the stems when moving them, and avoid rearranging them too often.
4 - Choose a still spot:
Displays near doors, vents, or busy walkways are more likely to catch a draft or get knocked over. A calm corner will keep your bouquet protected from airflow and footfall.
5 - Keep out of reach of pets and children:
Loose petals, grasses, and small stems can be tempting to play with. They're also easily damaged. Place arrangements where they won't be disturbed.
6 - Check stems for moisture and mould:
If you've made your own dried flowers or stored them for a long time, check for soft spots or grey fuzz. These are signs that moisture has crept in, and it's time to refresh the display.
For DIY enthusiasts drying their own stems, see our guide on how to dry flowers at home for step-by-step instructions.
7 - Use vases that allow airflow:
Open-neck vessels like ceramic vases or jars help reduce trapped moisture. Our stylists recommend cleaning vases between displays to prevent dust build-up or hidden damp.
Expert tip: For seasonal arrangements you want to keep, store them in a cardboard box with silica packets and acid-free tissue. Avoid plastic tubs, which can trap humidity.
How Long Do Dried Flowers Last?
Dried flowers can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on how they're made, displayed, and cared for. While they don't last forever, thoughtful care can dramatically extend their beauty and lifespan.
Typical Lifespan of Dried Flowers
Natural grasses and seed heads: 1–3 years
Hardy and long-lasting with minimal colour change over time.
Naturally dried flowers (air-dried): 6–12 months
These include blooms like lavender, statice, or hydrangea. Their petals eventually become brittle and may fade with light exposure.
Dyed or bleached stems: 6–9 months
These tend to fade faster and are more prone to dye transfer, especially when placed in direct light or handled often.
Preserved flowers: 1–3 years or more
While not technically dried, preserved flowers (treated with glycerine and dyes) last longer and retain a softer texture.
What Causes Dried Flowers to Deteriorate?
Several environmental stressors can reduce the lifespan of dried flowers:
- Humidity: Moist air can soften stems and promote mould growth
- Sunlight: Strong light accelerates fading, especially in dyed or delicate petals
- Physical contact: Touching or moving the display often increases petal drop
- Poor airflow: Enclosed containers or dusty vases may lead to hidden moisture and decay
How to Make Dried Flowers Last Longer
- Dust gently with a cool hairdryer or soft brush to prevent buildup and maintain definition
- Choose display spots wisely, avoiding areas near windows, radiators, or kitchens
- Maintain a stable temperature and avoid placing displays near heat sources or in damp corners
- Rotate arrangements seasonally to reduce wear and allow storage between uses
With the right protection from light, moisture, and movement, your dried flowers can remain a part of your décor for many seasons to come.
How to Clean and Maintain Dried Flowers
Even the most carefully placed dried flower display will gather dust over time. Cleaning them gently helps retain colour, shape, and structure. Plus, it extends their lifespan without causing fall-out or damage.
Best Ways to Remove Dust from Dried Flowers
- Use a cool hairdryer on the lowest setting to blow away surface dust. Hold it at a safe distance (at least 30cm) and keep the airflow gentle to avoid disturbing fragile petals.
- Soft brushes like makeup or paintbrushes work well for cleaning small areas and fine textures like pampas or ruscus.
- Compressed air canisters may be used with caution, but always test at a distance first. Too much pressure can cause petals or grasses to snap.
How Often Should You Clean Dried Flowers?
A light dust every few weeks is usually enough for most arrangements, especially if they're kept in a calm, dry spot. For larger displays or pieces near high-traffic areas, monthly checks help reduce static buildup and visible dust.
Expert tip: Rotate your display slightly each time you clean to help reduce sun exposure on one side and keep the shape balanced.
What to Avoid
- Avoid water or cleaning sprays; these can rehydrate the stems and damage the finish.
- Don't use strong air blasts or vacuum attachments, even on a low setting. The force can cause delicate stems to break.
- Avoid shaking the arrangement. While tempting, this can cause loose petals to fall out or dislodge entire stems.
With light maintenance and a gentle touch, your dried flowers can stay fresh-looking for months to come.
How to Style Dried Flowers at Home
Dried flowers are as much about design as they are about durability. With the right styling, they can add softness, colour, and shape to any space, from relaxed bedrooms to curated retail displays. Here's how to make the most of their lasting beauty.
Tips for Arranging Your Dried Flower Bouquet
- Trim stems at varying heights to create depth and movement. Taller stems form the central structure, while shorter ones add interest at the edges.
- Choose your shape. A full $360^{\circ}$ bouquet works well for table centrepieces, while asymmetrical or front-facing styles suit shelf displays or mantelpieces.
- Use florist tape or twine to help anchor tricky stems in place before transferring to your vase or display.
Expert tip: For a looser, more sculptural look, group dried flowers by tone or texture rather than height.
Best Places to Display Dried Flowers
- Entryways and bedrooms offer quiet spots away from moisture or footfall
- Still corners in living rooms or studies make ideal settings for larger installations
- Avoid kitchens or bathrooms, where heat and humidity can reduce lifespan or cause colour fading
For inspiration tailored to your space, explore our guide to styling dried flower bouquets.
Display Vessels We Love
- Ceramic vases bring a grounded, matte texture that complements dried stems beautifully
- Glass domes or jars offer protection from dust while framing smaller bunches
- Shadowboxes are ideal for flat-pressed arrangements or sculptural single stems
- Vintage bottles and bud vases work well for styling in multiples
Dried vs Preserved Flowers: What's the Difference?
Although dried and preserved flowers are often grouped together, they're not the same and require different kinds of care. Plus, understanding how each is made helps you choose the right option for your project or space.
What Are Preserved Flowers?
Preserved flowers are real blooms that have been treated with a mixture of glycerine, dyes, and stabilising agents to maintain their fresh look and flexibility.
This process halts the natural drying phase and replaces the flower's moisture content with a plant-safe solution. The result is supple, long-lasting stems that retain vibrant colour and shape for up to several years.
Want a longer-lasting, colourfast alternative? Explore our full range of preserved flowers now.
Key Differences Between Dried and Preserved Flowers
| Feature | Dried Flowers | Preserved Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Content | Fully dehydrated | Moisture replaced with glycerine solution |
| Texture | Crisp, delicate | Soft and flexible |
| Colour | Natural fading or dyed | Colourfast, often more vivid |
| Lifespan | 6-12 months (longer with care) | 1-3 years or more |
| Water Sensitivity | Must stay dry | Sensitive to high humidity or wet surfaces |
| Typical Uses | Rustic, natural styling | Modern, high-end arrangements or installations |
When to Choose Dried vs Preserved
Choose dried flowers for rustic arrangements, seasonal styling, or when you want a natural, papery texture.
Choose preserved flowers when softness, colour intensity, or long-term flexibility matters, especially for weddings, installations, or styled shoots with a fresh aesthetic.
FAQs About Dried Flower Care
How long do dried flowers last in a vase?
Most dried flower arrangements will last 6 to 12 months in a vase. Keep them out of direct light and away from humidity to help them last longer.
Can I put dried flowers in water?
No. Dried flowers should never be placed in water. Water rehydrates the stems, which can cause mould, wilting, or colour bleeding.
What's the best way to dust dried flowers?
Use a soft brush or a cool hairdryer held at a distance to gently remove dust from dried flowers.
Are dried flowers sustainable?
Yes. Dried flowers are a low-waste, long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers. Many can be composted, reused, or stored seasonally with no refrigeration or water required.
Do all dried flowers fade over time?
Yes, some natural fading is normal, especially in sunlit rooms. Dyed or bleached stems may fade more quickly, while naturally dried grasses tend to keep their tone for longer.
Final Thoughts on Caring for Dried Flowers
Dried flowers offer long-lasting beauty with minimal upkeep, as long as you give them the right conditions. Keep them dry, display them out of direct sunlight, and handle them with care to preserve their shape and colour for months to come.
From choosing the right vessel to knowing when to dust or rotate a display, these small steps help your arrangements go further.
From wedding arrangements to home décor and styled shoots, dried flowers thrive when they're handled with care. With the right habits in place, each bouquet becomes a lasting design element that brings natural texture and character to your space.
Ready to put your knowledge into practice? Explore our full collection of dried flowers and dried flowers bouquets, or discover more styling inspiration on the Atlas Flowers blog.