It is not a secret that roses have long been admired as symbols of love, beauty, and treasured memories. However, their fleeting nature can limit the longevity of appreciating their charm.
You can extend their life by learning how to make preserved roses, capturing their beauty and emotional significance. Whether you're looking to celebrate a special moment or craft a memorable gift, learning how to preserve roses is both meaningful and fulfilling.
This guide covers everything from the fundamentals of rose preservation to detailed, step-by-step methods. With Singapore Florist, you can learn how to preserve roses at home and enjoy their lasting elegance.
Understanding Preserved Roses
What Are Preserved Roses?
Preserved roses are natural roses that undergo special treatments to maintain their beauty and freshness for an extended period. Unlike fresh roses, which typically wilt within a week, preserved roses retain their form, texture, and vibrancy for months—or even years.
5 Methods Of Preserving Roses
There are several ways on how to make preserved roses, each suited to different purposes:
1. Air Drying – A Classic and Straightforward Method
Air drying is one of the oldest and simplest ways to preserve roses, maintaining their natural shape while achieving a rustic, vintage look.
This method works best with fully bloomed roses that are not overly delicate. To air dry roses, tie them in small bunches using twine or rubber bands and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated, dark, and dry area, such as a closet or attic.
The darkness helps prevent the colors from fading too quickly, while good airflow ensures even drying and prevents mold growth.
It typically takes about two to three weeks for the roses to dry completely. Once dried, the petals become crisp and slightly fragile, making them ideal for use in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, or potpourri. A light misting of hairspray can help strengthen the dried petals and prevent excessive shedding over time.
2. Pressing – Ideal for Creating Flat, Framed Art
Pressing roses is a wonderful method for preserving their delicate beauty in a flattened form, perfect for framed artwork, scrapbooks, or greeting cards. This technique works best with fresh, non-wilted rose petals or small rosebuds.
To press roses, carefully remove excess moisture by placing them between absorbent paper, such as parchment paper or blotting paper, and then pressing them under the weight of a heavy book or using a flower press.
The process usually takes about two to three weeks, during which the moisture is slowly drawn out, leaving behind a thin, preserved version of the rose.
For quicker results, a microwave flower press can speed up the process in just a few minutes. Once fully dried, the pressed roses can be framed under glass or incorporated into handmade crafts for a sentimental and artistic touch.
3. Silica Gel – Preserves Texture and Color Effectively
Silica gel is one of the best methods for preserving roses while retaining their original color and delicate structure.
This process involves using silica gel beads, a desiccant that absorbs moisture quickly without distorting the petals. To preserve roses with silica gel, place the blooms in an airtight container and gently cover them with the silica gel, ensuring the petals are fully supported to maintain their shape.
Close the container and allow the roses to sit undisturbed for about five to seven days. Once the drying process is complete, gently brush off any remaining silica beads and use the preserved roses for display, floral arrangements, or resin projects.
Silica gel can be reused multiple times by drying it out in the oven, making it an economical and efficient preservation method.
4. Glycerin Preservation – Keeps Roses Soft and Pliable
Glycerin preservation is a unique method that keeps roses looking fresh while making them soft and flexible rather than dry and brittle. This technique involves replacing the natural water content of the flower with a mixture of glycerin and water.
To preserve roses using glycerin, mix one part glycerin with two parts warm water and place the freshly cut rose stems into the solution. Over the course of two to three weeks, the roses absorb the glycerin, preventing them from drying out while maintaining their natural softness.
The result is a long-lasting, lifelike rose that remains supple and vibrant. This method is ideal for floral arrangements and home décor, as the preserved roses do not crumble like air-dried flowers. However, glycerin-preserved roses may darken slightly in color, so using a floral dye beforehand can help maintain their original shade.
5. Resin Embedding – Perfect for Creating Decorative Keepsakes
Resin embedding is a beautiful way to preserve roses in a permanent, decorative form, making it ideal for jewelry, paperweights, and home décor. This method involves encasing the rose (whole or in petals) in clear epoxy resin, which hardens into a glossy, glass-like finish.
To prepare the roses, they must first be thoroughly dried using air drying or silica gel to remove moisture and prevent decay. Once dried, the roses are placed into a mold, and liquid resin is carefully poured over them in layers to avoid bubbles.
After curing for 24 to 48 hours, the result is a stunning, long-lasting keepsake that captures the delicate beauty of the flower. Resin-preserved roses make meaningful gifts and are a perfect way to commemorate special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or memorials.
Preserved Roses vs. Dried Roses
While both preserved and dried roses are popular for extending the life of blooms, they differ significantly:
- Preserved Roses: Maintain their soft texture and vivid colour. They feel fresh to the touch and are ideal for long-term display.
- Dried Roses: Often have a brittle texture and faded color. They evoke a rustic, vintage aesthetic.
Benefits Of Preserving Roses
Preserved flowers have now become increasingly popular. You should know its benefits if you plan to dive in with the trend.
Longevity of Memories
Preserved roses allow you to hold onto memories tied to special moments—such as anniversaries, weddings, or birthdays—for much longer than fresh flowers.
Environmental Advantages
Instead of discarding fresh roses, preservation minimises waste and gives new life to blooms that would otherwise perish. Additionally, preserved roses require no water or maintenance, reducing resource consumption.
Selecting the Right Roses for Preservation
Ideal Rose Varieties
The best roses for preservation are those with firm petals and vibrant colours. Popular varieties include:
- Hybrid tea roses
- Floribunda roses
- Long-stemmed roses
Optimal Blooming Stage
Choose roses that are just starting to bloom. Fully opened roses are more likely to lose petals during the preservation process.
Caring for Preserved Roses
Optimal Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid humid environments to prevent moisture damage.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Use a soft brush or hairdryer on a low setting to remove dust.
- Avoid excessive handling to maintain their delicate structure.
Creative Uses For Preserved Roses
Home Décor Ideas:
- Display in vases, shadow boxes, or glass domes.
Gift Suggestions:
- Personalised keepsakes for anniversaries, birthdays, or holidays.
Craft Projects:
- Incorporate into resin jewellery, photo frames, or wreaths.
Conclusion On Preserving Roses In Singapore
Preserving roses offers a timeless way to cherish special memories and extend the beauty of nature’s most beloved bloom. You can personalise the preservation process with various methods to suit your style and purpose.
Whether for home décor, heartfelt gifts, or creative projects, understanding how to make preserved roses can help capture moments and emotions in a lasting and meaningful way.
Want to start preserving your roses? Visit Singapore Florist today to explore premium floral arrangements and get inspired to create your keepsakes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Preserving Roses
What Are Preserved Roses?
Preserved roses are natural roses treated to maintain their appearance and texture for an extended period.
How Long Do Preserved Roses Last?
Preserved roses can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years with proper care.
Do Preserved Roses Last Forever?
No, but they last significantly longer than fresh roses, with some lasting up to 3 years.
Are Preserved Roses Real?
Yes, they are real roses that have undergone preservation processes.
How Are Roses Preserved?
Roses can be preserved using air drying, pressing, silica gel, glycerin, or resin embedding.
Can I Preserve Roses at Home?
Absolutely! You can easily preserve roses at home with the right materials and techniques.