How to dry roses
Roses are one of the most beautiful and popular flowers. It’s thought that humans have been cultivating roses for over 5000 years for their appealing scent and variety of colours.
But there’s nothing sadder than when your lovely roses start to wilt. When they mean so much, sometimes letting them go is hard.
That’s where drying your flowers comes, bringing the opportunity to give your roses a new lease of life. Whether you want to decorate with them, frame them, or make potpourri with rose petals, we’ll show you how to dry roses in 5 simple steps. Follow our easy drying methods and discover creative ways to use dried rose petals.
How to dry rose petals in 5 easy steps
Drying roses is really easy, but you need to allow a bit of time for the drying process. Follow these simple steps: To dry roses you’ll need:
Roses
Scissors
String
A hanger
Unscented hairspray
1. Pick your freshly bloomed roses
Flowers that have only just bloomed are the best ones to use for drying.
2. Separate your rose petals or hang the individual rose
If you’re drying rose petals, all you need to do is separate each petal and they will dry out very quickly. If you’re drying the whole rose flower, you may like to tie each one with string and hang it upside down on the coat hanger.
3. Hang the roses in a dark room
Dried roses can change colour very easily if they are exposed to light. This means that your gorgeous red roses can turn pink or even off-white if they’re in direct sunlight. To stop this happening and preserve their colour, you can hang them in a dark room away from sunlight.
4. Let the petals or the roses dry
If you’re drying individual petals it will only take them a few days to dry out completely. But if you’re drying the whole flower you’ll need to leave them for 2-3 weeks to completely dry.
5. Spray the dried petals or roses with hairspray
Once they are completely dry, you can spray them with a little burst of hairspray to protect them and give them a nice shine.
How do you dry roses to keep them forever
Drying roses in the microwave, using silica gel is thought to be a better method to dry your roses forever. That’s because the silica gel really dries them out, and ensures that there is no time for your flowers to decompose.
Remove any unwanted foliage from the flower.
Cut the stems so it fits in a plastic, sealed container.
Be sure to care for your roses prior to this point, so that when you start drying them they are healthy and fresh as can be.
Fill the base of the container with 1-2 inches of the silica gel. You could also scatter some of the silica over the top of the flowers so it becomes embedded in the petals.
It’s time to microwave them. We’d suggest starting with 1-2 minute intervals. Keep checking the flowers to see if they feel dry, if not carry on microwaving.
When the flowers are fully dried, you can cover half of the container and let it cool for 24 hours.
Once the flowers are free, brush the silica gel off with a fine brush and then display them however you want.
Mount your roses in glass so that they aren’t exposed to the air. That’s the best method to preserve your flowers forever.
How to press roses
Pressing roses is another simple way to preserve their beauty. Here's how you can do it:
Choose fresh roses with petals that are just starting to open.
Place the rose between two pieces of absorbent paper, such as newspaper or blotting paper.
Place the paper and rose between the pages of a heavy book.
Close the book and place something heavy on top to press the rose flat.
Leave the rose to press for about 2-4 weeks, checking occasionally.
What to do with dried rose petals
There’s so much you can do with dried rose petals. Once they have fully dried they can last for months, and if they’re preserved (in glass or plastic) they will literally last forever.
If you’re stuck on what to do with your dried rose petals, here’s some creative ideas to inspire you:
Idea 1: Create hand-made wedding confetti
Once you’ve dried your roses they can make amazing confetti for the lucky couple. It’s extra special to use confetti that you’ve hand-made, and the married couple are sure to appreciate this added touch. You could even frame some as a sentimental gift to commemorate their big day.
Idea 2: Frame your rose petals to say ‘I love you’
Dried and pressed roses look beautiful in a frame, and are a unique piece of artwork that you can keep forever. Whether you’re creating framed rose petal art for your home, or as a gift, the message is one of self or outward love. They make a thoughtful gift for someone you care about, and framing rose petals is a calming ritual in itself.
Idea 3: Set them in glass for a unique timepiece or gift
It’s quite easy to get hold of glass or plastic photo frames which fix your image in place. You can also use these photo frames to fix your dried roses in place. This will make a unique timepiece or gift, and will look beautiful around the home.
Idea 4: Pour yourself a calming rose petal tea
Rose petal tea is thought to have benefits like calming the mind and aiding digestion. Even if you don’t like to drink it yourself, it can be a lovely offering when you have guests over.
Idea 5: Run a bath with your petals
Luxurious rose petals are the perfect addition to a hot bath after a long day. Why not surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day with a ready-run bath scattered with rose petals. Sometimes it’s the little things that can mean so much.
Idea 6: Create potpourri for a beautiful-smelling home
Dried flowers can be mixed with essential oils to create a gorgeous-smelling potpourri. They last for ages, and anytime the scent seems to be dying down you can always add more essential oil.
Idea 7: Make a card with dried rose petals
To make a card with dried rose petals, start by selecting a blank card or making one from cardstock. Arrange dried rose petals on the front of the card in a desired pattern or design. You can add other dried flowers or decorative elements if desired. Use a glue stick or craft glue to adhere the petals to the card. Allow the glue to dry completely. Once dry, you can further embellish the card with ribbons, glitter, or markers. Write your message inside the card and it's ready to give as a beautiful, handmade keepsake.
In conclusion, drying roses lets you keep their beauty and smell for a long time. You can dry them by hanging them, using silica gel, or pressing them. The dried petals can be used in many ways, like making potpourri or crafts. Check out our lovely rose bouquets, made with care like our drying guide. Find the perfect arrangement for any occasion and brighten someone's day.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to dry roses?
The easiest way to dry roses is by hanging them upside down in a dry, dark place. This method helps preserve their shape and colour. It typically takes about two weeks for roses to fully dry using this technique.
How long does it take for rose petals to dry?
Rose petals can be dried by spreading them out in a single layer on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area. They will dry faster than whole roses, usually in about 5-7 days, depending on the humidity levels.
How long do dried roses last?
Dried roses can last for months or even years if stored properly. It's best to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their colour and shape.
What can you do with dried roses?
There are many creative ways to use dried roses. You can make potpourri by mixing them with other dried flowers and aromatic ingredients. Dried roses can also be used in crafts such as wreaths, ornaments, and decorations. Another idea is to frame them or use them to embellish homemade cards and gifts for a unique and personal touch.
