Guide to the Best Flowers for Pressing
Pressed flowers are a timeless way to preserve the beauty of nature for art, decoration, or sentimental keepsakes. Not all flowers press equally well—some retain their colors and shapes better than others. This florist guide highlights the best flowers for pressing, along with tips for achieving vibrant and long-lasting results.
1. Pansy (Viola tricolor)
Why It's Great: Pansies press beautifully, retaining their vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Best Uses: Greeting cards, bookmarks, and framed art.
Tips: Press them flat immediately after picking to preserve their delicate petals.
2. Daisy (Bellis perennis)
Why It's Great: Daisies have a simple, symmetrical structure that presses well.
Best Uses: Scrapbooks, nature journals, and resin projects.
Tips: Smaller daisy varieties work better, as they flatten evenly.
3. Rose (Rosa spp.)
Why It's Great: Rose petals press wonderfully, retaining their soft texture and rich colors.
Best Uses: Romantic gifts, wedding mementos, and decorative wall art.
Tips: Separate individual petals for easier pressing, as whole blooms can be too thick.
4. Ferns
Why They're Great: Fern fronds are ideal for pressing due to their flat structure and intricate details.
Best Uses: Background elements in botanical art and collages.
Tips: Choose small, young fronds for the best results.
5. Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis spp.)
Why It's Great: These tiny blue flowers are delicate and press perfectly.
Best Uses: Sentimental crafts, memory books, and jewelry.
Tips: Arrange them carefully before pressing to showcase their beauty.
6. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Why It's Great: Hydrangeas have clusters of small, colorful petals that press well.
Best Uses: Floral cards, framed artwork, and scrapbooking.
Tips: Choose individual florets rather than entire clusters for easier pressing.
7. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Why It's Great: Retains its bright blue color even after drying.
Best Uses: Bold accents in pressed flower projects.
Tips: Flatten the petals gently before pressing for an even result.
8. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Why It's Great: Lavender's small, slender flowers are easy to press and retain a subtle fragrance.
Best Uses: Aromatic bookmarks, sachets, and botanical frames.
Tips: Press the stalks with flowers for a natural look.
9. Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)
Why It's Great: Known for its vibrant hues and tall, elegant blooms.
Best Uses: Statement pieces in wall art or journal pages.
Tips: Remove excess stems before pressing to ensure even drying.
10. Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)
Why It's Great: Its shiny yellow petals stay vibrant and cheerful when pressed.
Best Uses: Bright accents in mixed floral compositions.
Tips: Avoid flowers with thick centers; they don’t flatten well.
11. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)
Why It's Great: Cosmos flowers have a delicate, paper-like texture that presses easily.
Best Uses: Floral wreath designs and greeting cards.
Tips: Press them quickly after picking to retain color.
12. Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila spp.)
Why It's Great: The tiny clusters of flowers add lightness and texture to pressed designs.
Best Uses: Background fillers in floral art or resin crafts.
Tips: Use sprays of flowers instead of individual blooms for a natural look.
13. Petunias (Petunia spp.)
Why It's Great: Petunias press evenly and keep their vibrant colors.
Best Uses: Bold elements in floral compositions.
Tips: Remove the green base of the flower to achieve a flatter press.
14. Bougainvillea
Why It's Great: Known for its vibrant, papery bracts that press easily.
Best Uses: Tropical-themed crafts and vibrant wall decor.
Tips: Use the colorful bracts rather than the actual flowers for the best effect.
15. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Why It's Great: While large sunflowers are challenging, their petals press beautifully.
Best Uses: Bright accents in botanical frames or scrapbooks.
Tips: Press individual petals or small sunflower varieties.
Tips for Pressing Flowers
Choose the Right Flowers: Pick fresh, dry flowers with vibrant colors and minimal moisture.
Prepare the Flowers: Remove thick stems and bulky parts to ensure even pressing.
Press Properly:
Books: Place flowers between sheets of parchment paper inside a heavy book.
Flower Press: Use a wooden or cardboard flower press for better results.
Iron Method: For quick pressing, use an iron on low heat with the flower sandwiched between two sheets of paper.
Avoid Mold: Ensure flowers are completely dry before storing or using them in projects.
Preserve Colors: Keep pressed flowers out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
