Not all flowers preserve the same way — and that’s okay
Some blooms naturally hold their shape, colour, and beauty better than others when dried and preserved in resin. Over the years, we’ve learned which florals create the most timeless, long-lasting keepsakes.
Below is a helpful guide to flowers and botanicals that preserve exceptionally well, along with a few that may require special consideration.
Flowers That Preserve Exceptionally Well
These flowers retain their structure and elegance beautifully once dried and preserved:
- Ranunculus – One of the best preservation flowers; full, layered, and romantic
- Spray roses – Smaller blooms that dry evenly and preserve wonderfully
- Roses – A classic choice; colour deepens slightly for a rich, timeless look
- Anemones – Striking centres and bold contrast
- Lisianthus – Soft, elegant blooms that maintain their shape
- Peonies – Lush and statement-making; best suited for deep
- Hellebore – Often called Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose - Comes in dusky purples, plum, mauve, and wine tones Frequently used in wedding bouquets and early-season florals and preserve beautifully (highly recommended)
- Poppies – Poppies have several characteristics that make them generally incompatible with long-term resin keepsakes, although we have had success preserving them
Filler Flowers & Delicate Blooms
These florals add softness, texture, and movement to preserved designs:
- Baby’s breath – Light, airy, and extremely reliable
- Wax flower – Holds colour beautifully and adds dimension
- Astilbe – Feathery texture with a romantic feel
- Queen Anne’s Lace – Delicate yet surprisingly durable
- Statice – Known for excellent colour retention
- Scabiosa pods – Organic, textural accents
Greenery & Botanicals That Preserve Well
Greenery provides balance and movement in resin keepsakes:
- Eucalyptus (silver dollar, seeded)
- Italian or Israeli ruscus
- Fern fronds (especially when pressed)
- Olive branches and leaves
- Hardy foliage used in modern bouquets
Textural & Neutral Accents
Perfect for neutral, boho, or modern floral designs:
- Pampas grass
- Bunny tails (Lagurus)
- Wheat or barley stems
- Seed pods and grasses
- Thistle (prepared safely)
⚠️ Flowers That Require Special Consideration
These flowers can still be preserved, but may change in size or colour during the drying process:
- Calla lilies – Often shrink and may darken
- Sunflowers - Can be preserved if very fresh and disassembled carefully —BUT: centers often over-dry and shed, petals curl
- Tulips – Delicate petals may become translucent
- Hydrangeas – Must be fully dried to avoid collapsing
- Orchids – Can thin or darken depending on variety
- Pure white flowers – Typically soften to ivory or champagne tones
NOTE
Most white flowers naturally dry to soft ivory, cream, or beige tones rather than remaining bright white. This colour shift is a normal and expected part of the preservation process.
🚫Flowers That Do Not Preserve Well in Resin
While many flowers preserve beautifully, some blooms and botanicals are not well-suited for resin preservation due to their high moisture content, delicate structure, or tendency to trap air. These elements can change dramatically during drying or compromise the long-term clarity and stability of the finished piece.
Below is a helpful guide outlining flowers that are not recommended for resin preservation.
These flowers often shrink, discolour, collapse, or become translucent during drying:
- Calla lilies – Shrink significantly and often darken
- Tulips – Extremely delicate petals that lose structure
- Chrysanthemum - Collapse easily and will lose delicate petals
- Dahlias - May lose some delicate petals, but if handled with care and dried fresh generally do well
- Hydrangeas – Collapse easily if not perfectly dried
- Orchids – Thin petals may brown or become papery
- Lilies (all varieties) – High moisture content and fragile petals
- Ranunculus buds (tightly closed) – Often fail to open once dried
- Bird of Paradise
- Anthurium (becomes rubbery or see-through)
- Protea
- Leucospermum (pincushion protea)
- Heliconia
- Cosmos - thin, delicate petal/high petal loss
Greenery & Botanicals to Avoid
These elements retain moisture or air, which can cause cloudiness or bubbling:
- Succulents – Retain water internally
- Fresh eucalyptus – Can trap oils and moisture
- Moss (any variety) – Holds air and moisture
- Ivy & soft vine greenery – Breaks down during drying
- Thick, rubbery leaves – Poor drying performance
⚠️ Elements That Are Not Resin-Safe
The following materials are not suitable for full resin encapsulation:
- Bark (on wood or branches)
- Fresh stems with pulp or sap
- Undried foliage of any kind
- Flowers stored wet or refrigerated too long before drying
A Gentle Note on Expectations
Some flowers may be sentimental or symbolic, even if they don’t preserve well. When that’s the case, we’re happy to explore alternative design options, such as:
- Using select petals or filler flowers
- Incorporating compatible blooms from your bouquet
- Designing a piece that honours the spirit and colour palette of your florals
Our goal is always to create a keepsake that is beautiful, stable, and long-lasting, while respecting the story behind your flowers.
Our Promise to You
Every bouquet is unique, and we approach each preservation with care, experience, and honesty. Our goal is to create a piece that honours your wedding flowers and tells your story beautifully, while ensuring long-term durability and clarity.
If you’re unsure whether your bouquet is suitable, we’re always happy to review it with you.