The Best Flowers for Pressing: A Guide to Choosing the Right Blooms

Okay, confession time: I might have a slight obsession with pressing flowers. (If you’ve seen my Pressed Flower DIY Projects, you already know!) If you’ve ever pressed a flower between the pages of a book as a child or admired vintage botanical art, you already know the timeless charm of pressed florals.

There was always something so satisfying about tucking a bloom into a book and pulling it out weeks later, perfectly flat and ready to turn into something beautiful! I may be grown up now but I still love playing with flowers!

But here’s the thing—not every flower plays nice when pressed. Some come out looking like they belong in a vintage botanical journal, while others… well, let’s just say they end up in the compost pile. After trial and error (and a lot of crumpled petals), I’ve figured out which flowers are worth pressing and which ones to leave in the garden.

The Secret to Pressed Flowers That Stay Vibrant (Not Brown!)

In this guide, I’ll share:

• My favorite no-fail flowers for pressing (hello, pansies!).
• The ones that never seem to work (looking at you, peonies).
• Simple tricks to get the best results, like picking blooms at just the right time.

Whether you’re trying to learn the basics or a fellow flower-pressing addict, let’s find the perfect blooms for your next project!

Best Flowers for Pressing (With My Personal Favorites!)

After pressing hundreds of blooms (and yes, a few fails along the way!), these are my top picks for flowers that press like a dream.

Classic Pressing Stars

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Just Avoid These Flowers!

Save yourself the heartache—these blooms rarely press well!

Thick or Fleshy Petals

• Roses: Centers turn mushy (though individual petals can work).
• Lilies: Too bulky—wilt before drying flat.
• Peonies: Gorgeous fresh, but often mold in presses.

High-Moisture Content

• Hydrangeas (they tend to brown, individual flowers work better than entire stem)
• Orchids: Delicate + watery = sticky mess.
• Tulips: Petals shrivel unpredictably.

Wilty or Color-Fading

• Geraniums: Drop petals like confetti mid-press.
• Impatiens: Practically dissolve on contact.
• Petunias: Bright colors fade to dull brown.

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Tips for Choosing and Preparing Flowers for Pressing

Because even the prettiest blooms need a little TLC before pressing!

1. Timing is Everything

• Pick at peak bloom: Flowers should be fresh and fully open (but not wilted or browning). Morning is ideal—after dew evaporates but before the sun fades colors.
• Avoid buds—they often press poorly. Exception: Tiny wildflowers like clover can be pressed whole.

2. Keep It Dry

• Skip wet flowers: Dew, rain, or watering-can splashes = mold risk. Let blooms air-dry on a towel for 10–15 minutes first.
• Pro trick: Blot thick stems or centers (like daisies) with a paper towel.

 3. Prep Like a Pro

• Thick flowers? Remove individual petals
• Remove bulky bits: Strip excess leaves or fuzzy centers

4. Experiment & Track

• Test new varieties: Some surprises (like pansy leaves!) press beautifully.
• Keep notes: “May: Larkspur worked! Whole tulips = fail.”

5. Press Immediately

• Don’t let picked flowers sit—they’ll wilt. Have your press or book ready to go!

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Time to Press! Your Flower-Preserving Options

From old-school charm to speedy modern tricks!

Now that you’ve gathered your blooms, let’s talk pressing methods. You’ve got choices!

Creative Uses for Pressed Flowers

Pressed flowers add magic to almost anything! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them (with links to tutorials):

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FAQs About Pressing Flowers

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Your Pressed Flower Journey Starts Here!

Pressing flowers is equal parts magic and mindfulness—a way to slow down and preserve nature’s fleeting beauty. Whether you’re pressing pansies in a book, speeding things up with a microwave, or crafting keepsakes from your garden blooms, the most important thing is to have fun with it!

Remember:

• Start with the right flowers (flat, dry, and vibrant).
• Choose your pressing method (book, press, or microwave).
• Get creative with how you use them (art, gifts, or even resin jewelry!).