Roses are exquisite flowers that have decorated homes for virtually 1000s of years. They are without a flaw, brilliant, large, small and just perfect in every way, except for one. A rose will eventually die.

Their splendor can live on by different ways! Drying roses is a good way to continue their beauty. Using very little effort and very little cost, dried roses can appear just as beautiful when combined in an arrangement as the fresh ones.

Rose Drying Methods

Air and sand drying are two general rose drying methods. Air drying is most effortless and involves only a ample pair of shears, small amount of wire, a clothes hanger and a dry dark space. Start by clipping the stem from the rose, clip as close to the head of the rose as you possibly can. Then put in a portion of wire approximately 6 to 8 inches long into the rose head.

Roses need to be upside down when drying, now take the end of one wire and wind it around the lower part of the hanger. Keep wrapping the wires of each rose till the hanger is full. Allow some space between every rose head so air can move through. Now put the hanger into a dry, dark place, an empty closet will work fine. It will take roses usually 1 to 3 weeks to dry completely.

Roses can also be strung up upside down in clusters from a nail. Simply leave stems whole, get rid of the bottom leaves, collect a few stems together and hold with an rubber band. Set in a dry, dark place till dry.

The rose drying technique using sand requires a bit more effort, but works good. Cut a rose while it is at its best, and clip the stem so that about one inch is left. Be sure the leaves and stem are dry. This means no dew or other water. Put florists wire into the stem and into the head of the flower. Next locate an open deep box and start filling it with white sand till the roses can stand erect in the sand.

Now cautiously start putting sand around the base, and over and under all of the petals. The object is to use the sand as a method to keep the shape of the rose. Remain filling the box with sand till every rose is enclosed. Move the sand and rose filled box to a drying place and leave it for 1 to 3 weeks. Take utmost care when transferring dried roses. With caution tilt the box to start emptying the sand. Hold onto all roses as they become free of the sand and keep going till all roses are sand free.

The roses can also be dried with wax, glycerin or a desiccant but these methods are a little more complicated. Another favorite drying technique is to set a rose between the pages of a book.

Dried roses have numerous uses. They are ideal in floral groupings, ornamental wreaths, wedding bouquets and framed illustrations. Dried rose petals make great confetti and potpourri also.

About the Author

Jim's articles are from extensive research on each of his topics. You can learn more of roses and organic fertilizers by visiting: Drying Roses