Common Types of Flowers Used for Drying and Their Meanings

Dried flowers have an enduring appeal, cherished for their timeless beauty, rustic texture, and low-maintenance charm. But beyond their aesthetic value, dried flowers often carry symbolic meanings that add depth and emotion to a bouquet or arrangement.

At Dried, we carefully select and preserve flowers not just for their visual appeal, but also for the stories they tell. This guide explores some of the most popular types of dried flowers and what they traditionally symbolise.

Lavender

Symbolism: Serenity, purity, and devotion

Lavender is one of the most recognisable dried flowers and a favourite for its soft colour and calming scent. Often associated with tranquillity and peace, lavender is commonly used in arrangements meant to soothe or comfort. It is also symbolic of loyalty, making it ideal for romantic gifts or dried wedding arrangements.

Roses

Symbolism: Love, passion, and remembrance

Dried roses retain their elegance and emotional power long after they’ve been picked. A red rose symbolises deep romantic love, while a pink rose represents admiration and gratitude. Yellow roses symbolise friendship and cheer, and white roses convey purity and remembrance. A dried rose bouquet captures the timelessness of emotion.

Statice (Limonium)

Symbolism: Remembrance, sympathy, and success

Often used in sympathy arrangements or memory bouquets, statice is known for its papery blooms and strong symbolism. Due to its long-lasting nature, both physically and emotionally, it's considered the "everlasting flower." It is ideal for keepsake bouquets and condolence gifts.

Strawflower (Helichrysum)

Symbolism: Immortality and endurance

Strawflowers are often chosen for their vivid colour retention and are among the best flowers for drying. The name "everlasting" comes from their ability to maintain their shape and colour indefinitely. Their meaning reflects the strength and resilience of love and life.

Eucalyptus

Symbolism: Protection, renewal, and healing

Though technically a foliage, eucalyptus is a staple in dried flower arrangements thanks to its striking silvery-green leaves and invigorating scent. Eucalyptus symbolises wellness and fresh starts, making it ideal for get-well bouquets, housewarmings, or moments of transition.

Hydrangea

Symbolism: Gratitude, abundance, and heartfelt emotion

Hydrangeas dry beautifully and add a voluminous, textured look to arrangements. Symbolically, they express genuine feelings and are often associated with gratitude and grace. Their big, rounded shape can represent abundance in life and love.

Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila)

Symbolism: Innocence and everlasting love

Often used as a filler flower in both fresh and dried bouquets, baby’s breath brings lightness and softness. It symbolises purity and long-lasting affection and is commonly found in wedding décor, romantic wreaths, or gifts for new parents.

Craspedia (Billy Buttons)

Symbolism: Good health, cheerfulness, and positivity

With their cheerful yellow pom-pom heads, craspedia are the flowers of joy. They retain their shape and colour when dried, making them ideal for adding brightness and optimism to a bouquet. Their symbolism makes them popular for get-well arrangements and celebratory gifts.

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist)

Symbolism: Harmony and deep bonds

Nigella flowers create intricate seed pods that dry into fascinating shapes, adding unique texture to any arrangement. Traditionally, they symbolise unity and deep emotional connection, making them ideal for anniversary arrangements and meaningful home décor.

Amaranth

Symbolism: Immortality and unfading love

The name "amaranth" is derived from the Greek word meaning "unfading," making it an obvious favourite in dried flower design. Its trailing, textural stems add drama and movement to arrangements. The symbolism of eternal love makes it particularly poignant.

Delphinium

Symbolism: Dignity, grace, and goodwill

Delphiniums dry to retain much of their vertical form and bold colour. They carry meanings of positivity and grace, often given as a gesture of goodwill. In dried arrangements, they bring height and a refined, elegant structure.

Larkspur

Symbolism: Open heart and strong bonds

Closely related to delphinium, larkspur brings a wildflower look to dried bouquets. It symbolises strong emotional bonds and sincerity, making it a lovely addition to gifts for close friends or family.

Globe Thistle (Echinops)

Symbolism: Independence and strength

These striking spherical blooms dry beautifully and add structure and a touch of the unexpected to arrangements. Their bold form is often linked to resilience, confidence, and standing tall. Perfect for statement displays or empowering gifts.

Creating Meaningful Arrangements

One of the joys of working with dried flowers is how you can thoughtfully combine blooms to create arrangements that tell a story. Here are some ideas for pairings:

• Love and Romance: Dried roses, baby’s breath, and amaranth

• New Beginnings: Lavender, eucalyptus, and craspedia

• Remembrance: Statice, hydrangea, and nigella

• Friendship & Joy: Craspedia, larkspur, and strawflower

Whether you’re building a bouquet, a dried flower wreath, or a seasonal table centrepiece, adding symbolic intention helps create something even more meaningful.

Final Thoughts

At Dried, we believe that flowers are more than pretty things; they carry meaning, history, and emotion. By choosing dried blooms that align with your message or values, you can turn each arrangement into a lasting story.

Browse our latest collection of preserved stems and signature bunches online to find flowers that speak to you.