Your cart is currently empty!
Unveiling the Magic: The Difference Between Preserved Flowers and Dried Flowers
•
Hey there, flower enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the enchanting world of preserved and dried flowers. If you’ve ever stood in a florist’s shop, eyes flitting between these two floral wonders, wondering which one to pick, this blog post is for you. Let’s pull back the curtain and discover the secrets behind these beautiful blooms.
The Basics: What are Preserved Flowers?
Preserved flowers, often called “eternal flowers,” are a testament to modern floral innovation. They start as fresh, real flowers, usually roses, lilies, or hydrangeas. These blossoms are then carefully harvested at their prime and undergo a meticulous preservation process. This typically involves replacing the flower’s natural sap with a special solution, often a glycerin – based formula. The result? A flower that retains its original shape, texture, and much of its natural color, all while being able to last for an astonishingly long time.
And What about Dried Flowers?
Dried flowers, on the other hand, have a more rustic charm. They are simply fresh flowers that have had their moisture removed, either through air – drying, oven – drying, or using desiccants like silica gel. While they have been a popular choice for centuries, especially in creating wreaths, potpourri, and other traditional floral arrangements, they do undergo significant changes during the drying process.
The Battle of the Blooms: How They Compare in Appearance
One of the most striking differences between preserved and dried flowers lies in their appearance.
Preserved flowers manage to hold onto their original form like a memory frozen in time. Their petals remain soft, plump, and velvety, just as they were when they were freshly picked. The colors are also incredibly vivid, often indistinguishable from the real, fresh – cut counterparts.
Take a preserved rose, for example. Its petals still have that delicate curve, and the bloom retains its full, rounded shape. You can almost imagine it still being part of a living plant.
In contrast, dried flowers often shrivel and become brittle. The petals may lose their original shape, curling up or becoming flattened. The colors fade, turning from bright and vibrant to muted and dull. A dried rose might look more like a shadow of its former self, with its petals losing that lush, full – bodied look.
Lifespan: The Longevity Factor
When it comes to lifespan, preserved flowers are the clear winners. These beauties can last for years, sometimes even up to a decade, with proper care. That’s right – you can enjoy the sight of a preserved flower arrangement in your home for an extended period without having to worry about it wilting or dying. All they need is a little protection from direct sunlight and excessive humidity. Dried flowers, unfortunately, don’t have such a long – lasting charm. Depending on the type of flower and the drying method, they typically last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Over time, they become more brittle, and the petals may start to crumble and fall off. So, if you’re looking for a floral display that will stand the test of time, preserved flowers are the way to go.
Maintenance: How Much Effort Do They Require?
Preserved flowers are incredibly low – maintenance. Once you’ve placed them in your desired location, you can pretty much leave them be. A gentle dusting every now and then is all they need to keep looking their best. You don’t have to worry about watering them, changing the water in a vase, or trimming the stems. It’s like having a piece of art that takes care of itself.
Dried flowers, while also relatively low – maintenance, do require a bit more attention. They are more prone to attracting dust, and because they are brittle, they can break easily. You may need to be careful when moving them around, and over time, you might notice that the petals start to fall off. Additionally, if the environment is too humid, they can start to mold. So, you need to keep an eye on the conditions around them.
The Environmental Aspect Another factor to consider is the environmental impact.
Preserved flowers are often made from sustainably sourced flowers. The preservation process, while using some chemicals, is designed to extend the life of the flower, reducing the need for constant replacement. This means less waste in the long run.
Dried flowers, too, can be made from local and sustainable sources. However, their shorter lifespan means that more flowers need to be harvested to keep up with the demand for new arrangements. So, in terms of overall environmental friendliness, preserved flowers can have an edge.
Why Choose Preserved Flowers?
In conclusion, there are numerous reasons why you should choose preserved flowers over dried flowers. Their ability to maintain the original form of the flower is truly remarkable.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic gift for a loved one, a beautiful centerpiece for your dining table, or a way to add a touch of elegance to your office space, preserved flowers are the perfect choice. They offer a long – lasting, low – maintenance option that combines the beauty of fresh flowers with the durability of a crafted art piece.
So, the next time you’re in the market for some floral decor, think about the magic of preserved flowers and bring a touch of everlasting beauty into your life.
Go out and explore the world of preserved flowers today! Your home (and your heart) will thank you for it.
Photos used in this blog are from taken in Awenhana design studio, from our partners. Image of dry flower is from Pexels.If you have any questions about the blog, please contact us.
Leave a Reply