Strawflowers are absolute superstars in the gardening world, mostly because they’re one of the few blooms that actually look amazing long after they’ve been cut. Unlike other flowers that turn brown and brittle, strawflowers keep their bold, vibrant colors even when dried. However, if you want your dried arrangements to look professional, there are a few insider tips you should keep in mind.
Choosing the Right Varieties
Did you know there are over 600 species of strawflowers? They come in all sorts of colors and sizes, but not all of them are created equal when it comes to drying. For example, “Curry Plant” (Helichrysum italicum) produces tiny, sparse flowers that don’t make much of an impact. If you’re looking for those iconic, papery blooms for a bouquet, you’ll want to stick with the Golden Everlasting (Helichrysum bracteatum), which has large, showy flower heads. Another great choice is the Cape Gold (Helichrysum splendidum) with its stunning, bright yellow petals.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Harvest!
Timing is everything. While it’s tempting to let your strawflowers reach full bloom in the garden, waiting too long is a rookie mistake. If the flowers are wide open on the stem, they’ll likely fall apart or lose their shape once they dry. The secret? Cut them just as the buds are starting to open. They’ll continue to open up as they dry—much like roses do—leaving you with a perfectly preserved flower.
The Best Way to Dry Them
Once you’ve harvested your beauties, it’s time to get them ready for their second life. You can dry them individually or gather them into small bunches. The easiest method is to hang them upside down using some garden twine. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even use a needle to thread a string through the base of the stems.
To wrap it up, here’s your quick cheat sheet for drying strawflowers:
- Pick the right species: Not every strawflower is meant for a vase.
- Harvest early: Cut the stems before the flowers fully bloom for the best results.
- Hang ’em up: Dry them in small bunches or individually in a cool, dry spot.
