Flower preservation, a centuries-old technique transforming fresh blooms into two-dimensional keepsakes, relies heavily on selecting appropriate specimens. Horticultural specialists confirm that the success of pressing flowers—for use in crafts, art, or jewelry—is determined by the inherent structure and moisture content of the chosen plants, offering clarity on which varieties guarantee vibrant, enduring results.
Structural Attributes Essential for Preservation
The most reliable candidates for pressing share critical physical traits that facilitate rapid, uniform drying. Flowers with naturally low moisture content and single, papery layers typically dry quickly, preventing the common problems of browning, molding, or rot. Experts recommend blooms with flat faces or thin petals, as these characteristics ensure even compression and color retention. Conversely, thick or fleshy flowers, such as tulips and lilies, contain excessive water, making them unsuitable for traditional pressing methods.
Top-Performing Flowers for Beginners and Experts
Certain garden favorites consistently deliver professional-quality pressed results, making them ideal for both novices and seasoned botanical artists.
- Pansies and Violas: Cited as perhaps the most dependable choice, these flowers retain vibrant purples, yellows, and oranges remarkably well due to their naturally flat structure. Simply pressing them face-down yields optimal results.
- Cosmos: Their delicate, paper-thin petals dry quickly, often achieving a beautiful, translucent finish. All colors, from pure white to deep magenta, hold their hue effectively.
- Daisies and Black-Eyed Susans: Their symmetrical, simple shapes are nearly foolproof for beginners. While white petals may develop an antique yellow tint, their overall form remains intact.
- Larkspur and Delphinium: These are noteworthy for successfully preserving challenging blue and purple tones. Their smaller florets can be pressed individually or along the stem for structural arrangements.
- Everlastings (Statice, Verbena, Baby’s Breath): These are nearly guaranteed to maintain their form and color with minimal effort, making them excellent foundational elements in pressed collages.
Even traditionally challenging flowers like roses and hydrangeas can be successfully pressed by modifying the approach. Experts suggest choosing newly opened roses, separating the individual petals, and removing the thick base entirely. Similarly, individual four-petaled florets from hydrangeas press well, although slight color shifts (blues turning greenish) should be anticipated.
Harvesting Techniques Maximize Longevity
Harvesting timing is critical to achieving maximum color intensity in the preserved state.
“Pick flowers mid-morning after the morning dew has completely evaporated but before the intense afternoon heat begins to cause wilting,” advises one press specialist.
Blooms should be chosen just as they achieve full openness or slightly before their peak. Inspecting flowers thoroughly for damage, tears, or discoloration is essential, as imperfections become amplified once dried. Botanists also encourage looking beyond traditional flowers; materials like ferns, Queen Anne’s Lace, and finely structured herbs like lavender or rosemary add crucial textural elements and press perfectly flat.
Optimizing the Pressing Process
While various methods exist—from microwaving specialized units to using thick, heavy books—the key procedural factor is applied pressure and moisture control.
When utilizing the quick-press method with absorbent paper inside heavy books, flowers must be spaced apart to prevent moisture sharing. For dedicated presses, the crucial step is changing the papers every few days during the initial week. Fresh, dry paper wicks moisture away, significantly reducing the risk of mold and browning, which are the main culprits behind failed pressing attempts.
Once pressed and dried (a process taking two to four weeks), storing the botanical specimens correctly is paramount to long-term preservation. All pressed flowers should be kept out of direct sunlight and extreme humidity. Blues and purples are the most light-sensitive colors, while yellows and oranges generally exhibit superior color stability over time.
By selecting flowers with inherently thin structures and following meticulous harvesting and moisture-management protocols, botanical crafters can ensure their pressed collections retain near-perfect color and form for years to come.