One of the many joys of growing paper daisies is that their beauty doesn't have to end when the flowering season does.
Read: How to Grow Everlasting Paper Daisies From Seed in Australia
When dried and cared for correctly, paper daisies can last for years.
It's one of the things we love most about these beautiful Australian everlasting flowers. You can enjoy them growing in the garden, pick bunches to enjoy fresh, and then dry them to keep long after the growing season has finished.
Read: How to Pick, Dry and Enjoy Paper Daisy Flowers
Paper daisies naturally have dry, papery petals, which makes them perfectly suited to drying. Once harvested at the right stage and dried properly, they'll hold their shape and beautiful colour remarkably well.
Like anything natural, they will gradually change over time. Sunlight, moisture, humidity and how they're handled can all affect how long your dried flowers stay looking their best.
So, if you've taken the time to grow, pick and dry your own paper daisies, there are a few simple things you can do to help them last for years.
Keep Dried Paper Daisies Out of Direct Sunlight
This is probably the most important thing you can do to help preserve the colour of your dried flowers. While paper daisies love full sun when they're growing in the garden, once they're dried it's a different story.
Over time, direct sunlight will naturally fade their colour. Pink blooms will gradually become paler and eventually lose some of that beautiful vibrant colour they had when first picked. Display your dried flowers somewhere with plenty of natural light, but away from direct sunlight coming through a window.
Keep Them Dry
Once your paper daisies have been dried, they don't need water. Moisture is one of the things you want to avoid.
Keep dried arrangements away from particularly damp or humid areas and never add water to a vase containing dried paper daisies.
A dry environment will help your flowers stay looking beautiful for longer.
Handle Them Gently
Paper daisies are surprisingly hardy once dried, but they're still a natural flower.
As the stems and flowers dry, they become more brittle and can be damaged if they're handled roughly. Once you've arranged them somewhere you love, the less they're moved around, the better.
What Happens to Dried Paper Daisies Over Time?
Even when they're looked after beautifully, dried paper daisies won't stay the same forever. Over time, the colours may soften and the stems and petals may become more delicate. They're a natural product, so these gradual changes are completely normal.
With the right care, though, you can enjoy your everlasting paper daisies for years rather than weeks. This is what makes them so special.
A flower you can grow from a tiny seed, watch bloom in the garden, pick with your own hands and then keep in your home long after the season has ended.
Haven't Dried Your Paper Daisies Yet?
If your paper daisies are still flowering in the garden, the first step is knowing when to pick them and how to dry them correctly.
We've put together our complete step-by-step guide using the same natural air-drying process we use here at Petal & Bow Flowers.
Read: How to Dry Paper Daisies Naturally
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dried paper daisies need water?
No. Once paper daisies have been completely dried, they don't need water. Keep them in a dry vase and avoid getting the flowers or stems wet, as moisture can damage dried flowers and encourage mould.
Do dried paper daisies fade?
Yes. Dried paper daisies will naturally fade over time, particularly if they're displayed in direct sunlight. Keeping them away from direct sunlight will help preserve their beautiful pink and white colours for longer. Some gradual fading is completely natural and part of having real dried flowers.
Can dried paper daisies get mouldy?
Yes. Dried flowers can develop mould if they're exposed to moisture or stored somewhere with high humidity and poor airflow. Make sure your paper daisies are completely dry before storing or displaying them and keep them somewhere dry with good airflow.
How do you clean dried paper daisies?
Dried paper daisies are delicate, so avoid wiping or washing them. If they become dusty, gently remove the dust with a light puff of air. Handle the flowers as little as possible to avoid damaging the dried petals and stems.
Can you keep dried paper daisies forever?
Dried paper daisies won't last forever, but when they're dried and cared for correctly they can be enjoyed for years. Over time, their colours will naturally fade and the flowers may become more delicate. Keeping them dry, out of direct sunlight and handling them gently will help them stay beautiful for as long as possible.
Ready to Start Your Own Paper Daisy Patch?
Start with one packet of seed and you never quite know where it might lead. You might be filling your home and the homes of all your friends and family with beautiful, naturally dried paper daisies. It just takes one packet of seed to begin the journey.
