I love drying flowers in my shop. Drying is a great way to use all of those leftover flowers that would otherwise go in the compost. Over the years, I’ve experimented with drying all kinds of flowers and foliages. Some turned out beautifully. Others? Not so much.
Through a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out which blooms are worth drying—and which ones just end up sad and crispy in a not-cute way. My favorite flowers to dry for design all share a few key traits: they keep their color (or fade in an interesting way), they have sturdy blooms that hold their shape and don’t disintegrate when touched and they have strong stems that can be used in bouquets or wreaths.
Whether you're drying for bouquets, installations, wreaths, or just to decorate your home or office, this list of my Top 10 Flowers to Dry will give you a solid place to start—and maybe inspire you to try a few new ones.
1 Craspedia
Craspedia is one of my go-to flowers for drying. It holds onto its vibrant yellow color beautifully and has long, sturdy stems that make it easy to design with. Whether fresh or dried, it looks almost identical. It’s bright, bold, and cheerful. I especially love using it in summer and fall designs where its sunny color really pops. It’s a great addition to bouquets, personal flowers, and wreaths, bringing a touch of playfulness and structure to any arrangement.