Dried vs Preserved Flowers: What is the Difference
Previously, we discussed the differences between preserved flowers and fresh flowers. Preserved flowers are a longer-lasting option when it comes to flower gifts and floral decorations. However, the term “preserved flowers” is an umbrella term for flowers preserved using a variety of methods, including drying. Therefore, dried flowers are technically also a type of preserved flowers. The preservation method used determines the lifespan of the flowers, so it is important to know the differences between the methods.
How were Flowers Traditionally Preserved?
Air Drying
One of the earliest (and most natural) ways to preserve flowers was to tie them up and hang them upside down in a dry spot away from sunlight for a few weeks. Drying out flowers stops bacteria from growing, and thus prevents the flowers from rotting and wilting. Turning the flowers upside down also uses gravity to help retain their natural shapes. This is the method that requires the least amount of effort. However, not every flower keeps its shape or colour well.
Pressing
Another method that has been in use for a very long time is pressing. This method sandwiches flowers in wax or parchment paper between two flat surfaces (the wooden boards in a flower press or the pages of a book) until the flowers fully dry. The results are flat flowers that can be used in arts and crafts or even just displayed in frames as artwork. This is also a great way to keep special flowers such as wedding bouquets as souvenirs without taking up much space. This method also takes a few weeks, during which some flowers may lose their colour and/or start browning a little. Therefore, people looked for faster ways to fully dry out the flowers before any discolouration can happen.
How do Modern Flower-Drying Methods Work?
Using Silica Gel
Every time you buy new shoes, you’ll find a little pack of silica gel in the box. It’s there to absorb moisture to prevent mould and mildew from growing. How does silica gel help dry out flowers, you ask? They can absorb moisture from their surroundings and other objects near them, such as flowers. The flowers are placed in an airtight container and covered with silica gel until they are fully dried. This method dries flowers within days. The shorter drying time (compared to the weeks that the traditional methods take) means that there is less discolouration, resulting in more vibrant blooms.
Microwave Drying
The invention of the microwave has made it possible to shorten the drying times of flower pressing and silica gel from weeks and days to just minutes. To create dried flowers, the fresh flower blooms are placed in a microwavable container of silica gel and microwaved on a low setting for 30 seconds at a time to prevent burning. This process is repeated until the flowers are fully dry.
Freeze-Dryer and Food Dehydrator
Freeze-drying machines and food dehydrators are sometimes used in restaurants to process certain food ingredients and garnishes. Aside from drying food, they can be used to preserve flowers. The controlled conditions in these specialised machines ensure consistent results.
What are the other methods of preserving flowers?
Resin Cast
It is increasingly common to see people encasing beautiful blooms in resin to preserve special memories attached to the flowers. The flowers still have to be dried properly before being cast in resin, or the moisture can still cause decay and damage the flowers. This method works around the issue of dried flowers being more fragile by protecting them with a hard material. However, all resins yellow over time, especially when exposed to UV rays, which will also affect the way the flowers look.
Wax Dipping
A much less commonly seen method of preserving flowers these days is wax. It can be done with paraffin wax, beeswax, or even soy wax. Dipping fresh flowers in melted wax creates a thin protective shell around the petals, preventing them from withering and losing their colours (as long as the wax isn’t too hot. These waxed flowers can last up to six months.
Glycerine
Of all the flower preservation methods out there, the one most popular in recent years is glycerine. With this method, the glycerine essentially replaces the water in the flowers (but doesn’t dry out), which allows the petals and leaves to remain soft and flexible. There are actually multiple ways glycerine solutions can be used, depending on the state of the flowers (it can even be used with dried plants).
Which Method is Best for Preserving Flowers?
Each method has their pros and cons. Some methods may be better at preserving the original colours and textures of the flowers; but the colour changes from using certain methods, such as air drying, may give the flowers a rustic look, which is coveted by some people. Additionally, certain methods may require more time and investment as they may require special equipment or materials. These factors may impact the cost of the preserved flowers. Aside from that, certain flowers simply work better with certain methods. Therefore, there isn’t one best preservation method.
The preserved flower materials used by commercial florists today are mostly preserved by glycerine as flowers preserved by this method retain much of the life-like properties of fresh flowers.
Creating Artisanal Floral Arrangements Using Dried and Preseved Flowers
At Jubilant Fields Floral Studio, we use a mix of flowers preserved using different methods to craft beautiful preserved arrangements. From the cutest colourful tiny bouquet on a framed bible verse, to a quietly elegant cream arrangement in a beautifully simple vase, we’re sure you’ll find something to like. If not, drop us a line and let us know what sort of arrangement you’d like, and we’ll see if we can arrange it!