We love dried flowers because they're beautiful, easy to store, and last for a very long time. But what you may not know is that there's a lot more to caring for dried flowers than just putting them on the shelf. Learn all the top tips from your local Melbourne florist to take care of your dried flowers so they will last as long as possible, whether you’ve bought or been gifted a gorgeous bouquet or arrangement.

What is the difference between dried and preserved flowers?

Both dried and preserved flowers start as fresh flowers that go through a special process to preserve them. Dried flowers are different from preserved flowers in that they have had all their moisture removed, and in some cases, have been bleached and dyed with artificial colours. On the other hand, the moisture in preserved flowers is also removed but has instead been replaced with glycerin which results in a more realistic appearance, much like fresh flowers. Both types can last a similar amount of time if properly cared for.

Tips on caring for dried flowers

1. No water or moisture

Dried flowers don’t like water or humidity as their colour can fade, they can lose structure, and can get mouldy. So ensure that you keep your flowers indoors, in a dry place. Avoid putting them in bathrooms, outdoors, or anywhere they can get wet.

2. Keep out of direct sunlight or heat

Sunlight and heat can also cause the colour of your flowers to fade, so it’s best to keep your flowers away from windows, near radiators, heaters, or fireplaces.

3. Be gentle

Handle your dried flowers with care as they are very fragile and can get crushed or broken easily. Once you have chosen a designated spot to display your flowers, we recommend avoiding touching them as much as possible as this can damage them in the long term.

4. Provide adequate airflow

Too much air or movement can break your flowers, but too little can trap moisture that can make your flowers go mouldy so place dried flowers somewhere with moderate circulation.

5. Keep out of reach of small children and pets

As we briefly mentioned above, dried flowers can be easily damaged if not properly handled so we recommend keeping your flowers out of the hands of little children or animals that might think it’s edible or a toy.

6. Dust gently

If you notice that your dried flower arrangement has gotten dusty, you can either use a duster on more sturdy flowers or use the low setting on your blowdryer to clean more fragile types.

Why choose dried flower arrangements?

Dried flowers are a great option for those who don’t like the smell or look of fresh flowers. Since they have been dried, the process removes their natural smell. Some flowers have been bleached or coloured and may have a slight smell but not an unpleasant one if properly treated.

For those who want a unique floral arrangement, you can get fresh and dried flowers put together to combine different textures, colours, and styles. However, fresh flowers should always be completely dry to avoid damaging the dried ones, and you wouldn’t want to put them in water.

The best thing about buying dried flowers is that they last way longer than fresh flowers. This means that whether you’re buying them as a gift or commemorating a memorable occasion, you’ll have something sentimental to keep for years into the future. There are so many types of flowers that look beautiful when dried so you have a huge variety to choose from to suit your style or the person you’re giving it to.

Shop dried flower bouquets and arrangements in Melbourne

Now that you’ve learnt how to care for your dried flowers, you can trust that you’ll be able to enjoy their beauty for a long time. If you’re looking for dried flowers to decorate your home with or to gift to someone special, shop with Mordialloc Florist™ for Melbourne’s most beautiful, fresh and dried flower arrangements.