With its myriad of tiny flowers, gypsophila stands out as one of the lightest plants in the garden. It is much used in bridal cut flower arrangements, in fresh compositions with other flowers and also dried.
Learn how to dry gypsophila to use it in many different ways!
Which gypsophila to use for dried cut flower arrangements?
Gypsophilas naturally have an almost dry appearance. Their inflorescences create a charming mist, most often white and sometimes pink depending on variety.
Use the gypsophila paniculata (Gypsophila paniculata) for dried arrangements, because these are the tallest, and also the double-flowered 'Snow Flake'. For white blooms, also choose the classic 'Bristol Fairy'.
.
Among pretty pink varieties, 'Festival Pink Lady', with double flowers, is interesting, although smaller in height.
How to proceed?
- Cut well-flowered stems in summer of at least 50 cm, or much longer on tall gypsophila species or varieties, for making arrangements, in morning once dew has gone;
- Remove leaves from lower part of stems to speed up drying.
- Form a bunch of around ten stems, and tie stems in the middle with raffia or string;
- Hang it upside down in a dry, airy place out of direct sun (for example a room with shutters closed or an attic);
- Leave to dry for about 2 to 3 weeks – drying time varies with climate and ambient warmth – then use directly to compose a dried cut flower arrangement or for other uses (see below);
- Note: you can also dry gypsophila flat on a clean tea towel, spacing stems apart. In that case, turn delicate flowers every two or three days to avoid crushing them.
My tip: handle stems one by one when making a bunch, holding them by the stem so as not to damage the very delicate flowers. For a dried arrangement, avoid any draught likely to batter the tiny blooms.
Once dry, it can be painted, but I recommend keeping it in its natural colours. Gypsophila will retain its colour longer that way.
Ideas for using dried gypsophila
The poetry of dried gypsophila is often seen in bohemian interiors as it pairs perfectly with natural materials such as rattan, wood and plant fibres, and with terracotta tones.
If the dried cut flower arrangement remains the classic way to use it, alone or with other dried flowers, there are other lovely ways to exploit its delicacy.
In a dried cut flower arrangement
In a dried arrangement, it is truly beautiful and can stand on its own, but some plants make a lovely pairing with it: dried statice in white or mauve, all grasses and in particular Chinese fountain grass and Lagurus ovatus, in the same cream tones, everlasting flower with its small yellow blooms. You can compose a minimalist arrangement, or just a stem of gypsophila in bud vases for an elegant table decoration. It also looks superb simply placed in a basket in a country house!
For a wedding
Of course, gypsophila symbolises love and purity in the language of flowers, so it remains closely linked to weddings. In that context, its vapourous, romantic side can be used beyond bouquets: wreaths or floral hoops for venue decoration, centrepieces, gypsophila-and-candle duos for a table runner, on a hat, a unique tiara or crown for the bride, as a buttonhole for the groom, etc. It suits both bohemian and very classic or rustic wedding atmospheres.
To decorate or make objects and gifts
- on a gift package, glued to kraft paper which suits it so well
- on a homemade or personalised birthday card
- on a place card
- in a wedding dome
- in a dreamcatcher
How to keep dried gypsophila in good condition?
Once dried, gypsophila becomes brittle as glass, so its stems are very thin. Avoid touching it once dry.
In an arrangement, like all dried flowers it will collect dust. A hairdryer on a low setting held at a distance is a practical way to dust it off. A small feather duster should be used gently to avoid breaking the flowers.
Other flowers to dry!
Discover our other tutorials on flowers ideal for making dried cut flower arrangements:
Comments