The Ultimate Guide to the Best Flowers for Dry Pressing

Dry flower pressing is a beautiful and timeless art that preserves the color, shape, and delicate features of flowers. Whether you’re making art, decorating stationery, or preserving memories, choosing the right flowers is essential. Some flowers press better than others—maintaining their color, structure, and detail without fading, browning, or molding.

What Makes a Flower Ideal for Pressing?

Before diving into specific flowers, it’s important to know what makes a flower suitable for pressing:

Flatness or small blooms: Flat or naturally two-dimensional flowers press easily.
Low moisture content: Flowers with less water content are less likely to mold or discolor.
Durable petals: Flowers with sturdy petals are less prone to tearing or wrinkling.
Color retention: Some blooms retain vibrant colors better than others after pressing.

🌼 Top Flowers for Dry Pressing (By Type)

1. Pansies (Viola spp.)

Best for: Color variety, detail.
Why: Their flat shape and velvety petals press beautifully.
Colors: Purples, blues, yellows, and multicolor.

2. Daisies (Bellis perennis, Leucanthemum spp.)

Best for: Classic shape and bright look.
Why: Daisies are naturally flat and retain color well.
Note: Separate petals if too thick in the center.

3. Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)

Best for: Vertical, elegant pressed pieces.
Why: The individual florets press beautifully.
Tip: Choose younger flowers to reduce petal loss.

4. Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Best for: Large, open-faced flowers.
Why: Their thin petals press flat and stay vivid.
Colors: Pink, white, deep purple.

5. Pressed Roses (Rosa spp.)

Best for: Romantic designs.
Why: Though bulky, petals press well individually.
Tip: Remove petals and press them separately or split the bloom.

6. Ferns and Fern-like Foliage

Best for: Complementing pressed floral compositions.
Why: The delicate leaves hold shape and texture perfectly.

7. Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota)

Best for: Lacy, natural look.
Why: Its flat, umbrella-shaped flower head presses beautifully.

8. Forget-Me-Nots (Myosotis spp.)

Best for: Tiny, detailed work.
Why: These miniature blue flowers press flat and retain their color.

9. Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)

Best for: Vivid blues in floral art.
Why: Their color holds well; remove some center thickness before pressing.

10. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

Best for: Vibrant orange and yellow elements.
Why: Best when separated into petals to avoid browning.

🌿 Honorable Mentions (Foliage & Fillers)

Eucalyptus – Long-lasting scent and structural leaves.
Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) – Airy filler, perfect for delicate compositions.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.) – Press individual florets for best results.
Clover (Trifolium spp.) – Lucky four-leaf clovers are a classic!

🛠️ Pressing Tips for Best Results

Pick at peak freshness – Slightly immature flowers press better than aging ones.
Blot excess moisture – Especially for thicker flowers.
Use absorbent paper – Place flowers between parchment, blotting paper, or coffee filters.
Apply even pressure – Use a heavy book, flower press, or weighted layers.
Allow 1–3 weeks – Dry completely to avoid mold.
Store in a dry, dark place – Light can fade colors during pressing.
Avoid overstuffing – Don’t press too many flowers in one layer.

🎨 Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers

Handmade cards
Botanical wall art
Resin jewelry
Scrapbooks and journals
Bookmarks
Candle and soap decoration

❌ Flowers to Avoid or Use with Caution

Some flowers are beautiful fresh but difficult to press due to thickness, moisture, or poor color retention:

Succulents – Too thick and moist.
Tulips – Tend to mold and lose color.
Lilies – Large blooms don’t flatten easily.
Zinnias – Can brown or wrinkle if not carefully prepared.

Dry flower pressing is both an art and a science. Choosing the right flowers makes all the difference in creating long-lasting, beautiful botanical art. With the right species and pressing techniques, your pressed flowers can retain their charm for years to come.

If you’d like a printable checklist or template for pressing, or help identifying flowers in your garden, feel free to ask!