How Are Preserved Flowers Made? A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Fresh flowers are beautiful, but their beauty is fleeting—within days they wilt, dry, and lose their charm. This is where preserved flowers come in. These are real flowers, carefully treated to maintain their soft texture, vibrant color, and natural beauty for months or even years. In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire preserved flower making process, step by step.

What Are Preserved Flowers?

Preserved flowers—also known as eternal roses or long-lasting flowers—are real natural flowers that undergo a preservation treatment to keep their fresh appearance. Unlike dried flowers, preserved flowers remain soft, vivid, and lifelike because their natural sap and moisture are replaced with a plant-based preservation solution.

Key Benefits of Preserved Flowers

• Long-lasting beauty (typically 1–3 years with proper care)

• Soft and natural texture, almost identical to fresh flowers

• Available in a wide range of colors, including unique metallic and pastel shades

• A sustainable alternative to constantly replacing fresh flowers

• Perfect for weddings, gifts, home décor, and DIY projects

Why Choose Preservation Over Drying?

Traditional drying extends the life of flowers but has limitations: colors fade, petals become brittle, and the texture feels rough. By contrast, preserved flowers retain the natural look and feel of fresh blooms. That’s why they are widely used in luxury floristry, premium gift boxes, hotel interiors, and wedding decorations.

Step-by-Step: How Preserved Flowers Are Made

The process may vary slightly depending on the factory or studio, but here’s the standard commercial method used for roses, hydrangeas, carnations, and more:

1) Selecting Fresh Flowers

• Only premium-quality blooms (roses, hydrangeas, carnations, gardenias, etc.) are chosen.

• Flowers are picked at their peak bloom for ideal shape and color.

• Any damaged or defective stems are removed before processing.

2) Dehydration and Moisture Removal

• Fresh flowers contain 70–80% water, which must be removed to prevent decay.

• Flowers are placed in a controlled environment where natural juices slowly evaporate.

3) Rehydration with Preserving Solution

• Flowers are infused with a plant-based glycerin solution.

• This replaces the natural sap, keeping petals soft, flexible, and lifelike.

4) Coloring and Finishing Touches

• Non-toxic dyes are applied to restore vibrancy.

• Options include traditional hues, metallic finishes, or pastel tones.

5) Shaping and Refining

• Stems are trimmed, petals reshaped, and imperfections corrected.

• Flowers are placed in a temperature-controlled environment to set.

6) Quality Control and Packaging

• Inspected for color consistency, softness, and durability.

• Packed in protective trays or boxes (commonly 6, 10, or 21 pieces).

• Export cartons are reinforced with foam and edge protectors.

How Long Do Preserved Flowers Last?

With proper care, preserved flowers typically last 1–3 years. To extend their lifespan:

• Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity.

• Do not water them (they are already preserved).

• Clean gently with a soft brush or use a hairdryer on cool setting.

Popular Applications of Preserved Flowers

Preserved flowers have become a global trend, with diverse applications such as:

• Weddings – Bouquets, boutonnieres, and table centerpieces

• Gifts – Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and Mother’s Day gift boxes

• Luxury décor – Homes, hotels, spas, and retail displays

• DIY projects – Craft kits and hobbyist flower designs

• E-commerce – Glass dome roses, mini bouquets, and gift sets

Preserved vs. Dried vs. Artificial Flowers

• Preserved flowers – Soft, vibrant, natural; premium quality.

• Dried flowers – Brittle, faded, rustic; lower durability.

• Artificial flowers – Fabric or plastic; durable but unnatural look and feel.

Conclusion

Preserved flowers represent the perfect balance between nature and innovation. Through dehydration, rehydration, coloring, and shaping, fresh blooms are transformed into long-lasting keepsakes. Whether you’re a florist, wedding planner, or gift retailer, preserved flowers open new opportunities for luxury design and sustainable business growth.
Interested in adding preserved flowers to your product line? As a professional manufacturer, EterniBlossom® supplies wholesale preserved roses, hydrangeas, carnations, and custom designs worldwide. Contact us today to request a catalog or quotation.