What are preserved flowers?

Preserved flowers and foliage are real plants that have undergone a stabilization process designed to replace the plant’s natural sap with a durable, plant-based solution. This solution typically contains vegetable glycerin, water, natural substrates and food-grade colorants.

Through this preservation process, the plant maintains its natural appearance, softness and flexibility for an extended period of time without requiring water or maintenance

How are preserved flowers made?

Preserved flowers are created using specialized stabilization techniques that allow natural plants to maintain their appearance for months or even years. The preservation method used depends largely on the plant variety, as different botanical structures require different treatments.

Several techniques are commonly used in the preserved plant industry:

Capillary preservation is generally used for foliage. In this process, the stems absorb a plant-based preservation solution that gradually replaces the natural sap through capillary action.
Double immersion preservation is often used for flowers. This method helps maintain the delicate structure and vibrant color of the petals while stabilizing the plant tissue.
Spray preservation is typically applied to mosses

Each method is carefully selected to ensure the best possible balance between durability, flexibility and visual quality.

Learn more about preserved plant preservation techniques.

How long do preserved flowers last?

The lifespan of preserved flowers can vary depending on several factors, which makes it difficult to define a precise duration. In general, preserved plants maintain their softness, flexibility and vibrant appearance for many months and often several years.

Their longevity depends largely on the conditions in which they are used. Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature and exposure to direct sunlight can influence how preserved plants evolve over time. When used indoors and kept away from water and excessive humidity, preserved flowers can retain their beauty for an extended period.

Preserved flowers vs dried flowers vs artificial flowers

Preserved plants are often compared with both dried flowers and artificial plants. While all three options can be used in decorative applications, they differ significantly in terms of appearance, texture and longevity.

Feature	Preserved Flowers	Dried Flowers	Artificial Flowers
Material	Real natural plants stabilized through a preservation process	Real plants naturally dried	Synthetic materials such as fabric or plastic
Texture	Soft and flexible	Dry and brittle	Flexible depending on the material
Color	Vibrant and stable	Often faded or muted	Stable and consistent colors
Maintenance	No maintenance required	No maintenance required	No maintenance required
Lifespan	Several months to several years depending on conditions	Several months to a few years	Several years
Indoor / Outdoor Use	Best suited for indoor environments	Mainly indoor use	Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use depending on quality
Appearance	Natural look and texture	Rustic look	Decorative and consistent appearance
Typical Uses	Floral design, events, interior decoration, green wallse	Rustic décor, bouquets, craft arrangements	Outdoor decoration, large installations, long-term displays

Preserved flowers offer the natural beauty of real plants while maintaining flexibility and color far longer than dried flowers.

How preserved flowers are used?

Preserved flowers, foliage and moss are widely used in decorative and design projects because they combine the beauty of natural plants with exceptional durability.

Preserved flowers are particularly popular for event decoration, weddings and gift items, as they allow designers and florists to create long-lasting arrangements that remain beautiful throughout the event and beyond.

Preserved moss and foliage are especially popular in green wall installations, where they provide a striking natural aesthetic without requiring watering or maintenance.

With the growing popularity of biophilic design, preserved moss and foliage are increasingly used in many creative environments such as:

weddings and events
retail displays and shop windows
visual merchandising installations
photo shoots and set design
interior decoration projects

Their versatility makes preserved plants a powerful design material for professionals across many industries.

To learn more about how preserved flowers and plants are used in interior design and decoration, read our special guide on the topic.

Explore our collections of preserved moss, foliage and flowers designed for professional projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are preserved flowers real?

Yes. Preserved flowers, foliage and moss are 100% natural plants that have undergone a stabilization process to extend their lifespan while maintaining their natural appearance.

Do preserved flowers need water?

No. Preserved flowers do not require watering or maintenance. In fact, contact with water should be avoided, as moisture can damage the preserved plant material.