Dried flowers and preserved plants: an alternative to live bouquets?

Floristry is changing rapidly. If a few years ago dried flowers were associated with dusty bouquets from grandma's sideboard, today they are part of fashionable interior projects and premium gifts. Preserved roses in hat boxes, bouquets of lavender, pampas grass and eucalyptus have become a full-fledged alternative to fresh flowers.

In 2025, this trend is consolidated. According to Market Research Future, the global market for preserved flowers is growing by an average of 8-9% per year. In Russia, according to industry participants, the share of dried flowers and preserved compositions in the flower business is already approaching 12-15% of total sales, and demand continues to grow.

Why do customers choose dried flowers and preserved plants?

1. Durability

A live bouquet pleases only a few days. Stabilized plants retain their appearance from 1 to 3 years, and dried flowers can last longer. This is especially important for business: restaurants, offices, hotels are not ready to update the decor weekly.

2. Economy

At first glance, the cost of such bouquets is higher (for example, a stabilized rose costs 3-4 times more than a live one). But if you compare the costs for the year, customers save up to 40-50% of the budget for decoration.

3. Aesthetics and trends

Dried flowers fit perfectly into the boho, eco and minimal styles. Pampas grass, cotton, stabilized eucalyptus have become hits of recent years. According to Pinterest Trends, queries for "dried flowers decor" and "stabilized flowers" have grown by more than 200% over the past 3 years.

4. Durability and convenience

No need to change the water, be afraid of drafts or heat. The composition will please the client for months. This is especially important for rooms without daylight - for example, shopping areas or hotel lobbies.

Cons that can't be ignored

1. No smell

One of the main arguments in favor of fresh flowers is their aroma. The smell of freshly cut roses, peonies or lilies creates an emotional background and enhances the impression of the gift. Dried flowers and stabilized plants do not have this effect: they look beautiful, but “don’t smell”, and are sometimes even associated with artificiality. For some buyers, it is the aroma that is a symbol of the sincerity and “liveness” of the gift.

2. Fragility

Dried flowers and stabilized compositions require more careful handling. Stems can break during transportation, petals can wrinkle or crumble. This is especially true for fragile varieties, such as lavender or gypsophila. Customers often have to explain that such compositions cannot be rearranged too often or placed in high-traffic areas. This limits functionality compared to fresh flowers, which are less demanding to handle.

3. Emotionality

A live bouquet is a symbol of the moment “here and now”. Giving fresh flowers means emphasizing an event, showing attention on a certain day. That is why they will always be the leader at holidays, weddings, birthdays. Dried flowers and preserved plants do not cause the same strong emotional response: it is more about style, durability and design than about emotion. For some clients, they are perceived as a “cold” solution, and not as a living sign of attention.

What does this mean for florists?

For florists, dried flowers and stabilized plants are not a replacement, but a new market and new clients.

• The opportunity to work with corporate clients and interior designers.
• Selling premium gifts: "eternal roses" or compositions in hat boxes.
• Development of additional services: "flowers as an interior element".

Conclusion

Dried flowers and preserved plants are no longer an “amateur” niche, but a full-fledged and fast-growing trend that organically complements live floristry. They solve other problems: they create stylish interior solutions, allow businesses to save on regular replacement of compositions and become an original gift for those who value durability and an unconventional approach.

For the client, this is a combination of practicality, aesthetics and modern style. For the florist, it is a real chance to expand the range, attract a new audience and increase the average bill. Moreover, such projects help to enter into cooperation with interior designers and corporate clients, where durability and visual effect are valued.

In the coming years, it is the ability to combine live flowers with long-lasting compositions that will become a sign of a strong and competitive florist. Those who can offer clients both options and adapt them to different requests will occupy leading positions in the market.

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