3 easy ways to preserve flowers at home

Flowers may be fleeting, but with the right preservation techniques, you can enjoy their beauty for months - or even years.

Whether you want to keep a sentimental bouquet or create stunning dried arrangements, here are some of the best ways to preserve flowers at home.

If your bouquet is from your wedding, preserving the flowers can be a meaningful and eco-friendly way to cherish your special memories - or you can share the joy with other couples as homemade confetti.

Remember, if you're looking for the perfect floral gift, or need some more inspiration, don't miss our guides to the best Mother's Day gifts.

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1. Air drying flowers

Air drying is one of the easiest ways to preserve flowers with minimal effort. Just follow these steps:

1. Hang your flowers upside down in a warm, dry place for about four weeks.
2. Check regularly to ensure they’re drying properly and aren’t exposed to moisture. Hanging them upside down helps the blooms retain their shape, keeping them full and plump.
3. Once fully dry, arrange them in a vase (without water) for long-lasting décor.

A dehumidifier can help dry flowers more quickly by removing moisture from the air, which speeds up the drying process. It's especially useful in humid or damp environments, where flowers might take longer to dry naturally.

Dried flowers are delicate, so handle them gently. If you want extra support, wrap thin metal wire around the stems to help them stay upright.

A dehumidifier can be a great investment for home crafters, to help preserve your projects if your home is prone to damp or condensation. Read our guide to the best dehumidifiers, or learn five ways to get the most out of your dehumidifier.

2. Oven drying flowers

If you want quicker results, consider oven drying as an alternative. The best ovens for drying flowers are those with low and consistent temperature control to prevent burning or over-drying.

1. First, trim off any stems and leaves, as they don’t dry well in the oven. For larger blossoms like roses, consider separating the petals and drying them individually.
2. Preheat your oven to 100°C (212°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3. Spread out your flowers and bake for one to two hours, checking occasionally to prevent burning.

Expect light-coloured petals to darken, while blues and purples tend to keep their vibrancy. Red petals often deepen in hue, creating a rich, dark look.

Some ovens veer a long way from the correct temperature, while others are very accurate. All our independent lab tests measure how closely the oven sticks to the temperature we set it at.

Read our reviews of the best single ovens, best built-in ovens, and best double ovens or our best range cookers for more detailed information.

3. Pressing flowers

Pressed flowers are ideal for art projects, scrapbooking, and decorative framing.

You can use a flower pressing kit (available online for around £20–£50) or simply use a heavy book. Here’s how:

1. Trim the stem to your desired length.
2. Place the flower between parchment paper inside a large book.
3. Close the book gently and weigh it down with something heavy.
4. Leave for at least one week to fully dry and flatten.

How to use dried flowers

Give your flowers a life beyond death and save yourself money on home décor by using them in these creative ways:

• Potpourri Add a couple of drops of scented essential oils for a natural fragrance
• Dried flower arrangements A long-lasting alternative to fresh bouquets
• Framed floral art Pressed flowers hung in frames can make lovely art pieces
• Scrapbooking and journaling A fun activity for you or your children to do
• Wreaths and garlands Gently weave dried stems into an eco-friendly seasonal decoration
• Confetti Use dried petals for throwing at weddings and celebrations 

See more affordable garden décor DIY hacks.

Planning a wedding? Make sure you read our story on whether you should you take out wedding insurance. Or consult our best wedding gift ideas if you're a guest at someone's big day.

Which flowers work best for pressing?

For the best results, choose flowers with thin, single-layered petals. Here are some great options:

• Honeysuckle
• Clematis
• Geraniums
• Daisies
• Pansies
• Violets
• Buttercups
• Poppies
• Baby's breath
• Ferns

Thicker flowers like roses and peonies don’t press well but can be dried by separating their petals first.

How to make flower bouquets last longer

By taking care of flowers the right way, you can enjoy their beauty for much longer. 

The biggest enemy to fresh cut flowers is bacteria growing, which can cause the stems to mould and blooms to die more quickly. If you want your fresh flowers to stay vibrant before drying them, follow these tips:

• Use a clean vase Bacteria in the vase can rot stems faster. Make sure your vase is squeaky clean before putting your bouquet in.
• Trim stems at a 45º angle Use a clean, sharp pair of secateurs to cut the bottom of the stems at an angle. This helps them absorb water more efficiently.
• Change the water every 24 to 48 hours This ensures there is as little bacteria as possible in the water. 
• Remove any leaves below the waterline Leaves can rot in the water, causing bacteria growth. Before putting your flowers in the vase, trim off any and all leaves that are below the water level, and make sure to remove any leaves you see falling into the water.
• Keep your bouquet in a cool spot Heat and direct sunlight can cause flowers to wilt. Display them in a cool, dry place to keep them looking fresh.
• Remove dying blooms This helps to prevent any decay from spreading. 

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