12 Ideas: What To Do With Wilted Flowers

Flowers don’t last forever, but that doesn’t mean their beauty has to go to waste. Whether it's a bouquet from a special occasion or blooms past their prime, there are plenty of ways to repurpose them instead of throwing them away. 

If you’re wondering what to do with wilted flowers, here are 12 creative ideas to breathe new life into them.

1. Dry Them For Long-Lasting Décor

Wilted flowers may not look their best fresh, but they can still make beautiful dried arrangements. To dry them, bundle them together with a string and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place for a couple of weeks. 

Once they’re completely dry, they can be used in vases, wreaths, or even framed as pressed flower art. Dried flowers add a vintage charm to any space and can last for years with minimal maintenance.

2. Make Scented Potpourri

If you enjoy having a fresh, pleasant aroma in your home, dried flower potpourri is a great way to repurpose wilted blooms. Remove the petals, lay them out to dry, and mix them with natural elements like dried citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. 

A few drops of essential oil—such as lavender or rose—can enhance the fragrance. Store the mixture in a bowl or sachet bag for a natural air freshener.

3. Press Them For Art And Crafts

Pressed flowers are perfect for arts and crafts projects. Place wilted flowers between sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book and leave them for a couple of weeks. 

Once fully dried, you can use them for handmade greeting cards, bookmarks, scrapbooking, or even frame them as botanical artwork. Pressed flowers maintain their natural beauty and make for sentimental keepsakes.

4. Create DIY Floral Candles

Adding dried flower petals to homemade candles can create a delicate and decorative effect. To do this, simply melt candle wax, pour it into a jar or mould, and press the dried petals into the wax before it hardens. 

This works best with lightly coloured or translucent wax, allowing the flowers to be visible. Floral candles make wonderful gifts and can add a touch of elegance to your home décor.

5. Infuse Them Into Bath Products

Wilted flowers like lavender, rose, and chamomile can be used to make luxurious bath products. You can infuse them into bath salts, scrubs, or bath bombs by mixing them with Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils. The natural oils from the flowers help create a soothing, spa-like experience, perfect for relaxation.

6. Brew Floral Tea (With Edible Flowers)

Certain flowers, such as rose, chamomile, lavender, and hibiscus, can be dried and used to brew herbal tea. However, it’s important to ensure the flowers are safe for consumption and haven’t been treated with pesticides. Once dried, steep the petals in hot water for a few minutes to enjoy a fragrant and soothing drink.

7. Turn Them Into Natural Confetti

Instead of using plastic or paper confetti that contributes to waste, dried flower petals make a fantastic biodegradable alternative. Simply dry the petals completely and store them in a jar until they’re ready to use. They’re perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any celebration where you want to add a touch of natural beauty.

8. Use Them For Eco-Friendly Wrapping

Dried flowers can enhance gift wrapping by adding a decorative touch. You can tie small bundles to presents using twine or press flowers into handmade wrapping paper. For an extra creative approach, you can place petals inside wax-sealed letters for a romantic, vintage look. This adds a personal and eco-friendly element to gift-giving.

9. Make A Homemade Floral Mist

If you enjoy subtle floral scents, you can create a natural room or linen spray using wilted flowers. Soak petals in warm water for a few hours, strain the liquid, and pour it into a spray bottle. This floral mist can be used to freshen up your home, bedding, or clothing with a light, natural fragrance.

10. Add Them To Handmade Paper

If you love DIY projects, consider incorporating dried flower petals into homemade paper. Blend recycled paper with water to create pulp, spread it out on a fine mesh screen, and press in the petals before letting it dry. The result is textured, floral-embedded paper that can be used for stationery, invitations, or crafts.

11. Compost Them For Your Garden

If you prefer an eco-friendly option, composting wilted flowers is a great way to return nutrients to the soil. Flowers naturally break down and enrich the compost, providing essential nutrients for plants. This method ensures that no part of the flower goes to waste while contributing to a sustainable gardening practice.

12. Preserve Them In Resin

For those who love making keepsakes, resin art is a great way to preserve flowers indefinitely. By embedding dried petals into resin, you can create jewellery, keychains, coasters, or decorative pieces. The clear resin maintains the flowers’ shape and colour, turning them into long-lasting sentimental pieces.

Conclusion About Things To Do With Wilted Flowers

Just because flowers wilt doesn’t mean they’re useless. Whether you turn them into décor, beauty products, or eco-friendly confetti, there are plenty of ways to give them a second life. So next time you’re wondering what to do with wilted flowers, don’t be too quick to toss them out. Try one of these ideas and let their beauty last a little longer. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do With Wilted Flowers

Can Wilted Flowers Be Saved?

If the flowers are only slightly wilted, you can try reviving them by trimming the stems and placing them in warm water. However, if they are completely wilted, repurposing them into dried décor or crafts is a better option.

How Do You Dry Flowers Properly?

The best way to dry flowers is to hang them upside down in a dry, dark space for about two weeks. This method helps preserve their colour and shape. You can also press them between book pages for a flat, delicate look.

Can All Flowers Be Used For Potpourri?

Most flowers can be used for potpourri, but those with naturally strong fragrances, like roses and lavender, work best. It’s also a good idea to mix in essential oils to enhance the scent.

Is It Safe To Drink Tea Made From Wilted Flowers?

Only edible, pesticide-free flowers should be used for tea. Flowers like rose, chamomile, and hibiscus are safe for consumption, but always check if they are food-grade before using them.

What Are Some Eco-Friendly Ways To Use Wilted Flowers?

Composting is a great way to return nutrients to the soil. You can also use them for natural confetti, handmade paper, or even as eco-friendly gift wrap decorations.

How Long Does It Take To Dry Wilted Flowers?

Air-drying flowers typically takes about one to two weeks, while pressing them in books may take around two to four weeks. The drying time depends on the flower type and drying method used.