Best flower varieties for dry-pressed flowers

Creating dried pressed flowers is a delightful way to preserve the beauty of blooms and add a touch of nature to your home decor. Flowersby.com (HK florist and flower delivery platform) explore some of the best flower varieties that work wonderfully for this charming craft:

1. African Daisy (Osteospermum):

   • African daisies have a flatter bulb shape compared to regular daisies, making them ideal for pressing.
   • Layer African daisies between sheets of blotting paper and press them flat using books or bricks.
   • Varieties like the Soprano African daisy exhibit a flatter bulb shape and retain their form even after pressing.
   • These dried daisies can be beautifully incorporated into wreaths and arrangements.

2. African Marigold (Tagetes erecta):

   • African marigolds have the unique ability to dry out on the vine itself.
   • Wait until they are dry on the plant, and then harvest them.
   • You won’t need to hang them upside down after harvesting.
   • These marigolds add a vibrant touch to dried flower displays.

3. Pansies (Viola tricolor):

   • Pansies come in a delightful array of colors, including yellow, orange, cream, blue, and purple.
   • Their flat faces and single layer of petals make them perfect candidates for pressing.
   • Hardy in USDA zones 2 to 9, pansies are versatile and lovely for creating pressed flower art.

4. Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima):

   • Sweet alyssum features small, yellow, or cream-colored flowers.
   • Like pansies, they are excellent for pressing due to their flat faces.
   • These hardy flowers thrive in USDA zones 5 to 9.

5. Other Flowers Worth Trying:

   • Violets: Their delicate petals press beautifully.
   • Baby’s Breath: These tiny blooms add an airy touch to pressed arrangements.
   • Lilies: Choose varieties with single-layer petals for best results.
   • Hydrangeas: Their clusters of small flowers can be pressed individually.
   • Queen Anne’s Lace: The intricate lace-like appearance is captivating when pressed.
   • Buttercups, Lavender, Cosmos, Daisies, and Larkspur (Delphinium) also work well.

Remember these tips for successful drying and pressing:

• Start with Healthy Flowers: The best dried flowers come from healthy living blooms. Harvest them just before they reach full maturity.
• Bundle and Tie: Gather the best-looking flowers in small or medium-sized bundles and tie the ends with a rubber band.
• Drying Process: Hang the bundles in a cool, dry area with good air circulation and no direct light. Most flowers will be fully dry in about two weeks.
• Bulk Picking: For small flowers like pentzia or xeranthemum, pick them in bulk rather than individually.
• Professional-Looking Bundles: For flowers like yarrow and statice, take a moment to line up the heads when tying the bundles to achieve a more professional appearance.