Many gardeners delight in the beauty of fresh blooms, but with the right flowers, you can savor their charm well into the next season. Choosing the best varieties for drying allows you to enjoy their beauty beyond the garden.
From annuals to perennials, the following flowers retain their allure even when dried, providing a unique aesthetic that brings seasonal beauty into your home.
No matter your experience with drying flowers, these species are perfect for the craft. Consider growing them to appreciate your blooms throughout the year.
1. Strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum)
Originating from Australia, strawflowers, also known as everlasting flowers, maintain their beauty when dried. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
Start sowing these seeds in mid to late spring, making them ideal for May planting, with blooms appearing by mid-summer. Besides drying, they are excellent for a cutting garden.
Seedlings can be started outdoors one to two weeks before the last frost in your area. They are favored for their crisp, colorful blooms that remain vibrant even after drying.
"Strawflowers are incredibly popular for their unique texture and bright colors," shares a master gardener. "I recommend a dwarf mix for smaller spaces, as they reach just 18 inches tall and thrive with minimal care. Harvest when blooms are about half open, remove leaves, and hang them upside down in a dry space for best results."
A Master Gardener and plant enthusiast, Tabar has a passion for sharing gardening knowledge. With a background in environmental studies, she cultivates her garden in Vermont.
2. Amaranthus caudatus
This short-lived annual offers longevity when dried. The 'love lies bleeding' variety, known for its striking red tendrils, is particularly popular. It's easy to grow in moist, well-drained soil and full sun, making it a stunning addition to any arrangement.
"Amaranthus is a standout in the garden and dried displays," says a floral designer. "Its long, tassel-like blooms create a vintage look that adds elegance and charm. Harvest when the tassels are fully colored, stripping the leaves, and hang upside down in a dark place to preserve color."
These amaranthus seeds from Burpee can be sown outside until mid-May.
3. Statice (Limonium sinuatum)
Statice features small, colorful petals and serves as a lovely alternative to gypsophila in bouquets. While perennial types exist, the annual varieties are preferable for drying.
"Statice is a classic choice for dried arrangements, valued for its colorful, papery bracts," notes a garden expert. "It's deer-resistant and drought-tolerant. Harvest when flowers are fully open, bundle them, and hang upside down in a dry place for best color retention."
For a warmer tone, try apricot-hued statice seeds from True Leaf Market, sown after the final frost.
4. Larkspur
Popular in cottage gardens, larkspur adds height and vibrant color with its tall flower spikes. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun.
After blooming, cut the spikes to encourage more flowers, then hang them upside down for drying. A floral designer praises larkspur for its dreamy colors and shape retention, making it perfect for arrangements.
As a floral designer at a family-run farm, Mackenzie specializes in growing over 200 flower varieties, including heirloom blooms.
5. Poppies
Poppies are among the fastest-growing flowers and create lovely displays once dried. While the flowers fade, their unique seed pods become stunning additions to arrangements.
"Dried poppy pods bring texture and an earthy vibe to designs," notes a floral designer. "Once the petals fall, the pods can be used creatively in dried arrangements."
6. Sweet Annie (Artemisia annua)
This medicinal plant, also called sweet wormwood, produces delicate yellow flowers and is easy to grow in various conditions. Harvest before flowers open, then hang in the sun to dry.
"Dried Sweet Annie serves as a lightweight filler, adding scent and texture to designs," shares a floral expert. "It dries into a soft cloud that enhances arrangements without overwhelming them."
7. Bunny Tail Grass (Lagurus ovatus)
This ornamental grass, known for its fluffy flowerheads, is simple to grow and reaches about 18 inches tall. It's drought-tolerant and well-suited for various garden styles.
"Bunny tail grass has a playful texture and is perfect for both fresh and dried arrangements," explains a gardener. "Harvest when the seed heads are tight, then hang upside down in a dry space. Dried grass retains its shape beautifully for months."
8. Alliums
These flowering bulbs produce sturdy stalks topped with globe-like flower heads, making them visually striking in gardens and arrangements. The best varieties for drying have large blooms.
"Alliums are fantastic for their variety and architectural interest," shares a gardening expert. "Globemaster and Gladiator are favorites for their reliability and dramatic presence. To dry, cut the flowers at the right time and hang them in a well-ventilated area."
9. Hydrangeas
A staple in dried arrangements, hydrangeas offer beauty throughout the year. Both mophead and panicle types yield stunning dried displays.
"Hydrangeas are cherished for their lush blooms and longevity," says a gardening expert. "Limelight and Ruby Slippers are two standout varieties, known for their impressive performance in arrangements. Cut blooms when they show color changes and hang upside down to dry, preserving their charm."
With these flowers, you can enjoy vibrant beauty from your garden throughout the year. Plant them in spring and relish their continued allure as dried arrangements through the seasons.
