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Florist Guide to the Best Flowers for Dry Pressing for Color and Fragrance
Dry pressing flowers is a classic method to preserve both beauty and subtle aroma while creating flat, long-lasting blooms for art, decoration, or keepsakes. The key is selecting flowers with strong color, sturdy petals, and (when desired) lingering fragrance.
1. Best Flowers for Color Retention in Pressing
When pressing flowers, some species maintain vibrant hues, while others fade. Here are the top choices:
| Flower | Typical Colors | Notes on Pressing | Color Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pansies (Viola spp.) | Purple, yellow, white, blue | Thin petals press well, shape preserved | Excellent; colors remain bright |
| Violets (Viola odorata) | Purple, white | Small blooms, easy to flatten | Excellent; color holds well |
| Primrose (Primula spp.) | Yellow, pink, purple | Delicate petals, press carefully | Good; vibrant shades maintained |
| Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) | Blue, pink, purple | Large petals, press in layers | Moderate to good; color may shift slightly with pH |
| Rose Petals (Rosa spp.) | Red, pink, white, yellow | Press individual petals rather than full flowers | Good; deep reds and purples retain better than pastels |
| Ferns & Greenery | Green | Ideal as background foliage | Excellent; green often darkens slightly but remains natural |
| Lavender (Lavandula spp.) | Purple | Press small sprigs, delicate | Moderate; fragrance diminishes slightly, color holds |
| Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila spp.) | White | Tiny blooms pressed in clusters | Moderate; color remains subtle but elegant |
| Marigold (Tagetes spp.) | Yellow, orange | Use individual petals | Moderate; color tends to fade slightly but shape is maintained |
| Delphinium (Delphinium spp.) | Blue, purple | Thin petals, press carefully | Good; rich blues and purples preserved |
Tips for Best Color Retention in Pressing:
- Harvest flowers at full bloom for most saturated colors.
- Avoid flowers with very thick petals; they may not flatten well.
- Use absorbent paper and a flower press, or heavy books.
- Dry flowers in a dark, dry space to prevent fading.
2. Best Flowers for Fragrance in Pressing
While fragrance is often lost in pressing, some flowers retain subtle aromas, adding another dimension to pressed flower art:
| Flower | Fragrance | Notes on Pressing | Aroma Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roses (Rosa spp.) | Sweet, classic | Individual petals | Moderate; faint aroma remains |
| Lavender (Lavandula spp.) | Herbaceous, calming | Small sprigs | Moderate; subtle scent lingers |
| Violets (Viola odorata) | Sweet, powdery | Small blooms | Mild; fragrance partially retained |
| Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) | Honey-like, delicate | Thin petals | Low; scent diminishes quickly |
| Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) | Exotic, sweet | Very small petals | Low; scent mostly lost |
| Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) | Fresh, apple-like | Press flowers or small heads | Low to moderate; subtle scent can remain in storage |
Tips for Fragrance Retention:
- Pick flowers in the morning when oils are strongest.
- Handle petals gently to avoid bruising.
- Store pressed flowers in airtight containers away from sunlight.
3. Ideal Pressing Techniques for Color and Aroma
- Traditional Pressing
- Place flowers between blotting paper or absorbent paper.
- Use a flower press or heavy books.
- Check and replace paper if damp.
- Duration: 2–4 weeks depending on thickness.
- Microwave Pressing (Quick Method)
- Use microwave-safe blotting papers and short bursts of heat.
- Excellent for delicate blooms like pansies, violets, or small rose petals.
- Color preserved well; fragrance may be slightly reduced.
- Silica Gel Pressing (Optional)
- Sandwich flowers in a thin layer of silica gel.
- Maintains shape and enhances color retention.
- Works well for thicker petals or layered flowers like hydrangea.
4. Tips for Using Pressed Flowers in Art
- Layering Colors: Combine bright and pastel flowers for depth.
- Framing or Laminating: Protect pressed flowers from light and moisture to preserve color.
- Resin Art: Embed pressed flowers in resin for long-term preservation with vivid color.
- Decorative Cards & Journals: Use small blooms and petals to enhance stationery or scrapbooks.
5. Summary
- Top Choices for Color Retention: Pansies, violets, primrose, hydrangea, rose petals, baby’s breath, lavender, delphinium.
- Flowers Retaining Fragrance: Roses, lavender, violets, chamomile (mild), sweet pea (low).
- Key Tips: Harvest at full bloom, press carefully, dry in dark conditions, store away from sunlight.
Pressed flowers can combine vivid color and subtle fragrance, making them ideal for artistic and decorative projects. By selecting flowers wisely and using proper techniques, you can create beautiful, long-lasting pressed floral arrangements.