If you've fallen for the timeless charm of dried flowers (and who can blame you?), you're not alone. Dried flower arrangements are all the rage in UK home decor right now — from dreamy lavender stems to fluffy pampas grass, and delicate bunny tails to ever-romantic dried roses and gypsophila. But to make sure your blooms stay beautiful for months (even years!), a bit of care goes a long way.
Whether you've splashed out on a dried flower wreath, or dried your own blooms from the garden, here’s your essential guide to dried flower care in the UK — with expert tips to help you keep them looking fabulous.
Why Choose Dried Flowers?
Dried flowers are a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to fresh blooms. They require no watering, last longer, and bring a touch of rustic elegance to any room. With the right care, they can last for 1-3 years (sometimes more!) while retaining their colour and charm.
1. Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
Sunlight can fade even the most vibrant dried blooms. Keep your arrangement away from sunny windowsills to preserve the colours, especially delicate varieties like gypsophila and bunny tails.
2. Avoid Humidity and Moisture
Humidity is the enemy of dried flowers. Steamy bathrooms and kitchens are a no-go — the moisture can make them go limp or even mouldy. Place them in dry, well-ventilated spaces.
3. Dust Them Gently
Dried flowers do collect dust over time. Use a soft makeup brush or a hairdryer on a cool, low setting to gently blow away dust. Pampas grass and bunny tails especially benefit from a little fluffing up now and then.
4. Fix with Hairspray
A light mist of hairspray can help your dried blooms hold their shape and stop petals from crumbling. Use this trick sparingly — especially on fragile flowers like dried roses or lavender.
5. Handle with Care
Dried flowers are delicate by nature. Avoid moving them around too often and keep arrangements out of reach of pets and little hands.
Lavender: This calming classic not only smells divine but looks stunning in rustic bouquets. Keep it upright, avoid crushing the stems, and refresh its scent by gently squeezing the buds now and again.
Gypsophila (Baby’s Breath): These airy blooms are prone to breakage. Display in a spot with little disturbance and give them the occasional dusting to keep them cloud-like.
Roses: Dried roses are romantic but delicate. Avoid handling them too much, and use hairspray to keep petals from dropping. Keep them out of sunlight to preserve their colour.
Bunny Tails: These whimsical favourites are very popular in boho decor. Gently fluff them up now and again and keep them in a dry, draft-free spot.
Pampas Grass: The king of statement florals! Give it a shake outdoors to remove loose fluff before bringing it in, and fix with a touch of hairspray to keep shedding at bay.
Perfect places for dried flowers in the home include:
Bedroom side tables (hello, lavender dreams!)
Dining room centrepieces
Living room shelves
Hallway consoles
Home offices (bonus: low maintenance and calming)
Just remember to avoid damp or steamy areas!
Looking after dried flowers isn’t tricky, but a little know-how makes a big difference. By following these simple care tips, your dried arrangements will stay looking as gorgeous as the day you got them. Whether you’re obsessed with pampas grass, can’t resist a bunny tail bouquet, or love the vintage feel of dried roses, there’s a bloom for every style.
For more tips, DIY ideas and dried flower inspiration in the UK, stay tuned to our blog.
Happy arranging!