35 Best Flowers for Drying and Arranging

I was just sitting here thinking about how much I love keeping a bit of the garden inside once the weather starts to turn. It is honestly such a soul-soother to see those colors on my shelves when everything outside is sleeping.

You are probably looking for the best varieties to preserve so your hard work in the dirt actually lasts, right? Well, I have gathered up my absolute favorites for dried flowers in gardening so you can keep that summer magic hanging around all year long.

By the time we are done chatting, you will know exactly which blooms hold their color and shape the best, plus some of my personal secrets for keeping them looking gorgeous.

A Season of Preserving Memories

Growing up, my grandma always had bundles of herbs and flowers hanging from the rafters in her kitchen, and that smell is just etched into my brain. Now that I am doing my own thing, I find myself reaching for that same feeling every time autumn rolls around. There is something so grounded and intentional about not just letting a flower fade away, but actually keeping it.

I am a total sucker for that cozy, lived-in aesthetic where every corner has a little story. I don’t have time for complicated preservation methods or fancy chemicals, honestly, I just want easy, practical ways to bring the outside in. For me, it is about capturing a moment of peace from a sunny afternoon in the garden and letting it brighten up a rainy Tuesday in November.

I’ve found that sticking to the hardy, reliable stuff makes the whole process feel like a fun craft rather than a chore.

I promise you, once you start drying these, you’ll be hooked on how much life they add to your home!

My Favorite Blooms for Drying

Lavender Aromatic and Resilient

Is there anything more iconic than a bundle of lavender hanging in the kitchen? I am lowkey obsessed with how it looks against old wood. It stays so purple and smells like a dream even months after you cut it.

I usually just wrap a little twine around a handful of stems and find a spot where they can hang upside down. It’s the easiest way to get that “cottage core” vibe without even trying. Plus, if you get bored of looking at them, you can crumble the buds into a little sachet for your pillowcase to help you sleep.

Eucalyptus A Natural Fragrance

I love keeping eucalyptus around because it makes the whole house smell like a high-end spa. Those muted green leaves look so chic in a simple glass vase. It’s one of those things that looks expensive but is actually so simple to do yourself.

You’ll love how these stems hold their shape perfectly as they dry out. I usually just stick them in a vase without water from the start, and they just slowly turn into this beautiful, permanent fixture. It’s perfect for those of us who sometimes forget to water the indoor plants!

Marigolds Vibrant and Hardy

Don’t you just love how marigolds refuse to be dull? They stay so incredibly bright even after they’ve lost their moisture. I’ve started keeping a basket of these on my coffee table because that pop of orange just makes me happy every time I walk by.

These are super hardy, so they don’t get all brittle and sad like some other flowers. I like to use the heads for natural confetti or just tuck them into a wreath for a little harvest energy. They’re basically sunbeams you can keep in a jar.

Hydrangeas Colorful and Full

Hydrangeas are the absolute queens of volume! I always feel like a pro florist when I dry these because they stay so big and fluffy. If you have a corner that feels a bit empty, a big bowl of these in pinks and blues is exactly what you need.

The trick I swear by is putting them in a tiny bit of water and just letting it evaporate. It’s like they dry themselves while you’re busy living your life. They add such a soft, romantic texture to a room that I just can’t get enough of.

Roses Timeless Elegance

There is a reason everyone loves dried roses. They have this vintage, “found in an old book” look that is so nostalgic and sweet. I especially love the way soft pinks and yellows deepen into these rich, antique tones as they age.

I’ve definitely saved a few special bouquets this way by hanging them in my closet. Once they’re totally dry, you can display them in a decorative frame or even a shadow box. It feels like keeping a little piece of a special day forever.

Baby’s Breath Delicate Accents

I honestly think baby’s breath is so underrated when it’s on its own. It looks like a little cloud sitting on your windowsill! It is so airy and light, and it pretty much stays white forever, which is amazing for keeping things feeling bright.

Since it’s so delicate, it works perfectly to fill in the gaps in a larger arrangement, but I personally love it in a simple ceramic pot. It adds a little touch of “fancy” to my desk while I’m working, and I never have to worry about it wilting on me.

Peonies Lush and Romantic

Oh, peonies. They’re so dramatic, aren’t they? Even just the dried petals scattered on a piece of lace look like something out of a dream. They hold onto that lush, ruffled feeling even after the moisture is gone.

I like to dry the whole flower heads upside down, but even if the petals fall off, I save them in a jar. They’re so pretty for topping a gift or making your own potpourri. It’s like keeping the very best part of spring alive all year round.

Sunflowers Bright and Cheerful

Can you believe how well sunflowers dry? They look so cool and rustic. Those big yellow petals might curl a bit, but that just adds to the character. They look especially great against a wooden background or a brick wall.

I find that they bring a huge burst of energy into a room. If you’re into that farmhouse look, a few dried sunflowers in a tall pitcher is the way to go. They’re basically the happy pill of the floral world.

Pansies Colorful and Charming

Pansies are just so charming with those little “faces,” don’t you think? They dry surprisingly well if you press them. I love having a little bowl of the colorful petals just to add some variety to my decor.

I’ve even used these to decorate the outside of a plain candle or tucked them into a card for a friend. They’re small, but that purple and yellow combo is so punchy. It’s like a little art project that nature did for you.

Cattails Unique Texture

If you want something that feels a bit more earthy and wild, cattails are such a fun choice. That velvety texture is so different from your typical flower. They add a lot of height and drama to a vase, especially if you’re going for a more natural, “walk in the woods” vibe.

Just a little heads up: once they’re dry, give them a quick spray with some hairspray! It keeps them from fluffing out and making a mess all over your floor. They’re super low-maintenance and look great for a long time.

Cornflowers Rustic Beauty

I’m a total sucker for that specific shade of cornflower blue. It’s so hard to find in nature! They look adorable in an old tin can on the kitchen table. It feels very “wildflower meadow,” which is exactly what I need when it’s snowing outside.

They are super easy to dry because the petals are already quite thin. I just tie a string around a bunch and hang them from a hook. They keep that gorgeous blue hue remarkably well, which is why I keep coming back to them every year.

Zinnias Bold and Bright

Zinnias are like the party guests who never want to leave. They are so sturdy and stay so incredibly bright. I love how they keep their round, full shape even after they’ve completely dried out. It’s like they have a little personality of their own.

I find that mixing a bunch of different colors—pinks, oranges, yellows—in a big jar is the quickest way to cheer up a dark corner. They don’t get all droopy or sad, they just stay bold. Honestly, I’m a little bit obsessed with them lately.

Thyme Culinary and Decorative

I always have some thyme hanging in my kitchen because it’s practical and pretty. There is something so satisfying about reaching up and grabbing a few dried sprigs to toss into a soup. It makes me feel like I’ve really got my life together, you know?

Beyond cooking, those tiny little leaves look so cute and rustic when they’re dried. I love the way they smell—earthy and warm. It’s such a simple way to bring a bit of the garden into your daily routine without any extra effort.

Daisies Cheerful Simplicity

Daisies are just pure joy, aren’t they? They remind me of being a kid. Drying them is so easy, and they look so sweet in a simple glass jar on the windowsill. The way the light hits those white petals just makes the whole room feel peaceful.

I like to keep them in places where I need a little reminder to stay positive. They’re simple, they’re classic, and they don’t need anything fancy to look good. If you’re just starting out with drying flowers, these are a total win.

Orchids Exotic Touch

I didn’t think orchids would dry well, but I was so wrong! They keep this amazing, exotic look that feels really special. The pink and red tones stay quite vibrant, and they look so elegant just resting on a dark wood surface.

You have to be a little more careful with these since they’re delicate, but the payoff is totally worth it. They add a bit of “wow” factor to your decor that you just don’t get with common wildflowers. It’s a great way to make a gift orchid last way longer.

Lilies Graceful and Elegant

Lilies have such a graceful shape, and that doesn’t go away once they’re dried. I love how the petals get this papery, delicate texture. They look beautiful laid out on a light fabric or tucked into a large arrangement.

They definitely bring a sense of calm and “fancy” to a space. I’ve found that even just one or two dried lilies in a bud vase can make a whole shelf look styled. It’s an easy way to keep that sense of elegance around the house.

I really hope this gives you a little spark of inspiration to go out and harvest some of your own beauty. Honestly, just try out one or two of these dried flowers in gardening ideas and see how it changes the vibe of your home. It is so rewarding to look at something you grew yourself and know it is going to be there to keep you company all winter long. Let me know which one ends up being your favorite!