Is there a way to keep a fresh Magnolia flower from turning brown? I want to cut it the day before I use it as a gift.
Dorothy Johnson Callaway’s 1994 book The World of Magnolias says that the flowers will last for several days if you cut them early (before they open) and keep them in a cool room. Because they are naturally fragile, florists don’t usually use a lot of them.
If the flowers will only be fresh for one or two days, keeping them cool should be enough.
Magnolia flowers are known for their large, fragrant blooms that signal the arrival of spring. Their beautiful white or pink flowers don’t last long on the tree, usually only about a week. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to preserve magnolia flowers so you can enjoy their beauty even after the blooms fade.
Why Preserve Magnolia Flowers
Magnolia blooms are fleeting, only lasting about a week on the tree. Their large, showy flowers and sweet fragrance make them a favorite flower for many gardeners. Preserving magnolia blooms allows you to capture their beauty and display stunning floral arrangements long after the flowers fade from the tree Dried or preserved magnolia flowers can be used to create gorgeous home decor or charming gifts for friends and family
How to Choose Magnolia Flowers for Preserving
When selecting magnolia flowers for preserving look for blooms that are in peak condition with little to no blemishes or discoloration. Choose flowers that have just recently opened fully. Older, faded blooms will not preserve as nicely. Carefully clip the stems, leaving some stem length to allow for flexibility when arranging preserved flowers.
Cleaning and Preparing Magnolia Blooms
Proper cleaning of magnolia blooms is an important first step for long-lasting preservation Carefully wash each flower under cool running water to remove dirt and debris Gently wipe away any remaining dirt with a soft cloth or paper towel, Make sure not to rub or handling the delicate petals too roughly, Allow flowers to air dry completely before moving on to preserving,
Methods for Preserving Magnolia Flowers
There are several methods you can use to preserve magnolia blooms, each producing different results. Common techniques include air drying, pressing, and drying in desiccants or glycerin.
Air Drying
Air drying is the simplest approach to preserving magnolias. To air dry, firmly attach freshly-cut flower stems to a hanger using florist wire. Suspend indoors away from direct light and allow 1-2 weeks to fully dry. Avoid overly humid areas. The petals will dry flattened and stiff when preserved using this method.
Pressing
Pressing between the pages of a heavy book is another easy technique for preserving magnolia blooms. Place each flower between sheets of wax paper, then stack several sheets of flowers between pressing boards or heavy books. Allow 3-4 weeks for pressing, changing paper as needed to absorb moisture. Pressed flowers are very flat and fragile when dry.
Drying in Desiccants
Drying flowers using desiccants like borax, cornmeal, silica gel, or sand can help them retain more of their natural shape and texture. Coat flower petals thoroughly in desiccant mixture. Allow 2-3 weeks to dry fully before gently shaking off excess mixture. The flowers will dry stiff but with more dimension.
Drying in Glycerin
Adding glycerin to the drying solution helps preserve suppleness and color. Mix 1 part glycerin with 2 parts warm water. Allow magnolia blooms to soak in solution for 1-2 weeks until dried. Flowers retain more flexible, lifelike appearance with this method.
Displaying Preserved Magnolia Flowers
Once fully dried, preserved magnolia blooms can be used to create stunning floral displays. Cluster blooms in a vase or bowl. Embed blooms in shadowboxes or picture frames under glass for unique wall art. Use pressed flowers to make bookmarks, stationery, or scrapbook embellishments. Let your imagination run wild when using preserved magnolia flowers to add natural beauty to your home.
Preserving the magnificent blooms of magnolia trees allows you to enjoy their beauty long after the flowers fade from the branches. With proper care and preparation, techniques like air drying, pressing, and drying in desiccants can capture their natural elegance. Show off preserved magnolia flowers in floral arrangements, art projects, home accents, and handmade gifts.
Pickled Magnolia Recipe – My way to preserve Magnolia Petals
FAQ
Can you preserve magnolia blossoms?
How to make magnolia flowers last longer?
How long will cut magnolia blooms last?
How do you preserve magnolia leaves?
Use a glass baking dish that is large enough to fit your magnolia leaves. Carefully pour the mixture until there is about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) of headspace remaining in the dish. If you have leftover glycerin, store it in an airtight container. You can reuse the mixture for preserving other leaves or flowers.
How do you store glycerin from Magnolia Leaves?
If you have leftover glycerin, store it in an airtight container. You can reuse the mixture for preserving other leaves or flowers. Cut fresh magnolia branches, remove the leaves, and cut the stems. Select fresh, green growth from the ends of the limbs to get the newest leaves, which will absorb the glycerin more easily.
How do you Dry magnolia leaves?
Drying magnolia leaves is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and a little patience. Follow these simple steps to ensure your leaves retain their beauty for years to come: Harvesting: Select leaves that are healthy, vibrant, and free from blemishes. Aim for leaves that are at their peak, ideally just before the plant blooms.
How do you care for a magnolia tree?
Dust Regularly: Gently wipe your magnolia leaves with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust that gathers over time. Avoid using water, as moisture can damage the preservation process. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your magnolia leaves out of harsh sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause fading and deterioration.
Are magnolia leaves good for decor?
Remember, the right magnolia leaves can elevate your decor from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing nature’s elegance right into your home. To successfully preserve magnolia leaves for decor, having the right tools and supplies is essential.
How do you decorate with magnolia leaves?
Here are some imaginative ways to incorporate magnolia leaves into your seasonal decor: Wreaths: Create stunning wreaths for your front door by layering preserved magnolia leaves with seasonal florals. This adds a fresh touch to your entryway while showcasing the rich hues of nature.