Dried and preserved flowers are booming in popularity right now. They had huge growth during Covid lock down due to their lifespan and ability to easily post or courier. But I often get asked what the difference is between dried and preserved flowers. In saying that, a lot of people don’t even realise there is a difference! So here’s a brief little explanation to wise you up.

whats the difference?

Firstly, What are fresh flowers.

Let’s set the baseline with fresh flowers. Recently picked, green, straight from Australian growers and purchased from one of the Melbourne wholesale flower markets. These wholesalers also supply fresh imported flowers from overseas. Fresh flowers have a short lifespan and ideally need a bit of tender loving care to get the most from them (e.g. regular stem cuts, fresh water, vases kept away from drafts, direct sunshine etc). But they have all the smells that we know and love.

What are dried flowers?

Dried flowers are those that were originally fresh, but they’ve since had their natural moisture removed. This traditionally happens by hanging the flowers upside in a cool dark space but modern dehydration methods include silica sand or gel and an oven.

Once fully dried, the flowers will have lost their bright colours and become duller as a result of the dehydration process. The foliage and petals become brittle, often shrinking and wrinkling. Any remaining colours will continue to fade as they age further. You are often left with beautiful earthy tones. Dried flowers are delicate but with gentle handling and avoiding direct sunlight and humidity, they can last years (think how long grandma’s pot pourri lasts!).

So what are preserved flowers?

This is the big question. Preserved flowers were also originally fresh, but have since had their natural moisture removed and replaced with glycerol, dyes and other unknown chemicals. As a result of this process, preserved flowers generally retain their natural appearance and touch. They are much softer to touch and more flexible in comparison to dried flowers. Preserved flowers can be sensitive to heat, humidity and sunlight, however with minimal care, preserved flowers have a prolonged shelf life and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years.

Here in Australia, a lot of preserved flowers are imported and are more expensive than fresh flowers, largely because of the additional processes required to reach the end product. I know from handing preserved flowers that they have a strong chemical smell and can irritate your hands and skin. Often the dyes run and can stain clothes so they need to be used with caution (i.e. beware brides with white dresses). Preserved flowers won’t biodegrade as well as fresh or dried flowers due to their chemicals. Preserved flowers require no maintenance, other than keeping out of direct sunlight and the occasional dust. The dyes usually enhance their colour, so you will find a wider range of colours than what would occur naturally.

What do I use?

I use fresh flowers in my designs 99% of the time and now try to avoid preserved flowers. I occasionally use dried flowers if required… but fresh are my all time favourite, you can’t beat the smell and emotions that comes with fresh flowers. I’ve previously used a lot of preserved flowers but after experiencing the irritations, stench and leaching of dyes and chemicals, I believe preserved flowers are to be avoided, discouraged and are harmful for the florists working with them. Plus I’m paranoid that a dye will run onto a white wedding dress and it would all be my fault!

Have a look at this picture to see how I’ve previously used them in this bridal bouquet.

So bear all this in mind and I hope this helps you be an educated consumer.