DIY Potpourri: How to Make Your Flower Arrangement Live on
Fall · How-To · Summer · Winter ·

DIY Potpourri: How to Make Your Flower Arrangement Live on

How long will they last? This is the concern we hear most often from patrons ordering flowers. While there are methods to keep a flower arrangement fresh longer, the design will ultimately fade. After all, part of a flower’s beauty is its fleeting nature. But even after a floral arrangement’s vibrancy wanes, you can still enjoy the blooms! One way is by turning those flowers and foliage into potpourri.  

What Is Potpourri

Potpourri is a mixture of dried petals and spices placed in a bowl or small bag to perfume clothing or a room. The term, potpourri, originates in France and literally translates to “putrid pot.” While its translation doesn’t conjure any desirable aromatherapy, the practice of mixing flowers and herbs for a fragrant melody dates back to ancient times.  

Potpourri is a lovely way to bring a little more color and fragrance into a room, and it can be as seasonal as fresh flowers.  

How to Transform Your Flower Arrangement into Potpourri

The best flowers for making potpourri are ones that will retain their color. Ideal blooms include roses (especially rose buds), amaranthus, lavender, hydrangea, gomphrena, eucalyptus, and larkspur. 

  1. Prep your arrangement: Once your floral arrangement fades, remove the blooms and leaves you’ll use for your potpourri. Snip away stems and anything that looks slimy or moldy.  
  2. Air dry flowers and leaves: After gathering the flowers and foliage for your potpourri, set them in a cool and dry place so they can finish air drying. When they feel stiff and firm to the touch, they’re ready! 
  3. Combine your mix-ins: In a bowl, combine the petals and leaves. Feel free to raid your pantry for additional potpourri ingredients like star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. They are great additions that can add texture and scent.
  4. Add essential oils: Essential oil is a great way to emphasize the scent of the flowers in your potpourri. Remember, less is more with essential oils. Six to eight drops of essential oils is more than enough to fill a room with your desired scent.
  5. Stir: Gently stir the flowers, leaves, spices, and oil until all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
  6. Display: Place your potpourri in a decorative dish or fill a sachet to set out in your home.

Make It Personal  

Creating your own potpourri from your floral arrangement can be an enjoyable and aromatic way to preserve your flowers. This creative process not only allows you to extend the life of your beloved blooms but also provides an opportunity to craft a personalized home fragrance that reflects your unique preferences. 

Back to Blog