Drying Native Australian Flowers Naturally at Home

Dried flowers are having a moment, and native Australian flowers are some of the best to work with when drying flowers at home. From bold banksias to delicate paper daisies, native flowers are recognised for their texture, structure and ability to hold their form over time.

Whether you're drying a bouquet from a special occasion or looking to preserve your favourite stems from the garden, this guide covers everything you need to know about experimenting with drying native Australian flowers at home naturally.

Why Native Australian Flowers Are Perfect for Drying

Many varieties of Australia’s native flora are naturally adapted to dry conditions, making them ideal for preserving. These flowers often maintain their shape, colour and texture far better than softer, more delicate garden blooms.

These are some of our favourite native flowers to dry:

• Banksia – Bold and sculptural with lasting impact
• Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) – Bright colours and crisp petals
• Billy Buttons (Craspedia) – Joyful yellow spheres that maintain their colour and shape beautifully
• Eucalyptus – Iconic leaves with a lasting scent
• Kangaroo Paw – Velvety and uniquely shaped
• Everlasting Daisy – Papery blooms that hold their form

How to Naturally Dry Native Flowers

Drying native flowers at home is simple and requires very little equipment. All you need is some string, a dry space and a little bit of patience.

Air Drying (Upside Down or Upright)

Air drying is the most natural and sustainable method for preserving flowers. It works best for long-lasting blooms with strong stems, but with the right technique, even some types of delicate flowers can be dried successfully. For the best results, we recommend starting this process before your flowers are still quite fresh, to avoid any unwanted moulding or bacteria growth. 

How to do it:

1. Remove excess foliage from the stems (Banksia foliage can usually be left on).
   
2. Tie flowers in small bunches using string or twine.
3. Hang in a dry, dark and well-ventilated spot such as a hallway, spare room or an empty cupboard.
4. Leave for two to four weeks until the flowers feel crisp to the touch.

Tips: Smaller or softer-stemmed flowers like strawflowers, billy buttons or kangaroo paw should be hung upside down, to prevent drooping. Avoid exposing your flowers to direct sunlight during the drying process, as this can cause colours to fade.

Banksias and sturdier flowers can often be dried upright in a vase or container with no water. This helps them retain their shape and structure while drying out naturally over time.

Styling with Dried Natives

Once dried, native flowers add long-lasting texture and a sculptural quality to any space. Use them in vases, wall hangings, wreaths or as part of seasonal arrangements. They pair beautifully with other dried foliage or can be displayed simply on their own.

Ready to try it for yourself?

At Bush Flowers, many of the flowers in our native bouquets can be dried and enjoyed long after the original delivery. If you’re ordering from us, feel free to add a note to your order to let us know you'd like to dry your flowers - our team will happily prioritise selecting varieties of flowers that dry beautifully. 

Browse our full range of native flowers online. We offer same-day flower delivery across Melbourne, and everything we create is grounded in a commitment to sustainability, and a deep respect for nature.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the art of drying native flowers, you’ll find a dedicated section in our book Bush Flowers. It contains more detailed information about drying flowers at home, tips for making your dried flowers last longer, and an in-depth guide to arranging and styling native flowers. The book is a celebration of Australian flora, and a helpful companion for anyone wanting to bring more native beauty into their home - fresh or dried.