
Statice, strawflower and globe thistle continue to bloom later than most other summer annuals, and hold their flowers longer. Even after bloom, the flowers are so stiff and ‘crispy’ that they remain intact and colorful until they succumb to exposure to weather. If cut and brought in from the weather soon enough, they will last as dried flowers at least until fresh flowers start to bloom in the garden next spring.
Strawflower and larger globe thistle tend to wilt and droop from the weight of the bulky flowers, so should be tied in small bunches and hung upside down to dry. Perennial statice (which has larger blooms than annual statice) tends to flop to the ground, but the stems often bend only at the base so that the rest of the stem length stays somewhat straight. Smaller globe thistle and annual statice often dry standing up while still out in the garden.
Yarrow and English lavender can be dried as well, but lose most of their color. Lavender dries naturally in the garden. Yarrow can likewise be allowed to dry in the garden, but probably keeps a bit more color if cut while still fresh and hung upside down. Because yarrow blooms are so wide, they should be hung individually or in small bundles. Queen Anne’s lace has even wider blooms that curl inward as they dry, so they really should be hung individually.
Old hydrangea flowers that are only beginning to fade can dry surprisingly well if cut and hung individually before they deteriorate too much or start to rot. Some varieties retain color better than others. Some fade almost completely to an appealing brown paper bag.
There are not many roses this time of year, but when they do bloom, even they can be cut and dried while beginning to unfurl. Only a few small and tightly budded roses can be dried when completely open. Because they droop right below the blooms, roses should be hung upside down to dry. Dark colored roses get very dark as they dry. White roses turn tan. Pink and yellow are probably the better colors.
Cat-tails and pampas grass flowers are big, bold and dated cut flowers. Yet, for situations where big flowers fit, they are just as practical now as they were in the 1970s. Because pampas grass flowers shed, and cat-tails can explode (to disperse their seed), they should be sprayed with hair spray or another fixative to keep them contained. Pampas grass foliage has dangerously serrate edges that can give nasty paper cuts, so should be handled carefully, and displayed out of the way.
I love your line ‘into an appealing brown paper bag.’ Exactly right!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What?! That makes no sense. I thought it was, “into an appealing paper bag brown.” It refers to the simple and monochromatic brown color.
LikeLike
I’m used to reading metaphor and thought that’s what you intended. Their colour does change to that shade of brown and appealing paper bag amused me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find the uniformity of the color to be appealing. That is why I described it like that. Some color, especially where weather is mild, can be shabby. Monochromatic brown foliage looks more ‘refined’ or intentional than shabby brown that is just doing what it must prior to defoliation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting that this post should arrive now I was considering cutting some hydrangea flower heads to dry for the first time. You have prompted me to do so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, the need to get pruned away anyway. There is no point in wasting them if there will be use for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person