What Are Preserved Flowers? All You Need To Know About

Annie Zhang
Apr 11
4 min read

Have you ever come across a flower that doesn’t wilt for months—or even years—and wondered how that’s possible? You're likely looking at a preserved flower, also known in the industry as an eternal flower, infinity rose, or forever bloom.

These long-lasting florals offer a unique opportunity for retailers, gift companies, florists, and event planners who want to deliver both luxury and longevity. But naturally, many business owners have questions:Are preserved flowers real? How are they made? Why are they more expensive than fresh flowers? And how can they support my business?

As someone who has spent the last two decades working with global floral suppliers and customers, I’m here to provide a clear and professional overview of preserved flowers—and why they’re worth your attention.

What Exactly Are Preserved Flowers?

Preserved flowers are natural, fresh-cut blooms that undergo a sophisticated preservation process to maintain their original texture, color, and shape for an extended period—typically 1 to 3 years. Unlike dried flowers, preserved ones remain soft and lifelike. And unlike artificial flowers, they are not made from plastic or silk.

Preserved flowers are widely used in gift boxes, jewelry packaging, event giveaways, and interior design products—offering a premium feel with almost no maintenance required.

How Are Preserved Flowers Made?

The preservation process is detailed and technical. At Sweetie-Gifts, we follow a multi-phase treatment system that involves:

Step-by-Step Overview:

Harvesting at Peak BloomFlowers are carefully selected when they are at their most vibrant and symmetrical.
Moisture ExtractionThe flowers are immersed in a specialized alcohol-based solution to gently remove water and natural oils.
Secondary DehydrationThey undergo further treatment with highly purified ethanol to ensure complete dehydration.
Shape StabilizationFlowers are soaked in a botanical setting liquid that supports the preservation of natural structure.
Color EnhancementUsing non-toxic pigments dissolved in ethanol, the flowers are dyed to restore or customize their hues.
Final DryingFlowers are air-dried or dried in climate-controlled rooms to lock in all the elements.

The entire process can take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the flower type and environmental conditions.

Key Questions Buyers Often Ask

How long do preserved flowers last?

With proper care, preserved flowers typically maintain their appearance for 12 to 36 months, and sometimes even longer.

Do preserved flowers have a scent?

The preservation process removes the natural fragrance. However, a light rose scent can be re-added for a more sensory experience.

Are preserved flowers real or fake?

They are 100% real natural flowers, not synthetic or artificial.

Do they lose color over time?

If kept away from moisture and sunlight, preserved flowers retain color well. Fading may occur after years, but this is gradual.

Are preserved flowers non-toxic?

Yes. At Sweetie-Gifts, we use non-toxic, certified materials that meet REACH and CE standards. All our preserved flowers are safe for indoor environments.

Do preserved flowers attract bugs?

No. They contain no sap or water, making them inhospitable to insects and mold.

Why Do Preserved Flowers Cost More?

Unlike fresh flowers, preserved blooms require:

Medical-grade alcohols and plant-based solutions
Controlled environments for treatment and drying
Skilled technicians for shape and color retention

These factors result in higher production costs, but the extended lifespan and premium aesthetic make them a high-value product—especially for luxury gift lines, seasonal promotions, and brand packaging.

What Can You Create with Preserved Flowers?

Preserved flowers are incredibly versatile. Here are just a few product ideas:

Flower Gift Boxes: Ideal for holidays, corporate gifting, and direct-to-consumer brands.
Jewelry Gift Sets: Preserved roses paired with necklaces, earrings, or rings in custom boxes.
Wedding Keepsakes: Bouquets and corsages that can be kept long after the event.
Home Decor: Long-lasting centerpieces, wall art, and desk arrangements.
Brand Collaborations: Customized floral gifts with logos or co-branded packaging.

At Sweetie-Gifts, we’ve created signature designs for Armani Beauty, Pandora, and Freshippo, among others.

How to Take Care of Preserved Flowers

To maximize product longevity, advise your customers to:

Avoid water – never spray or soak preserved flowers.
Keep them indoors, in a cool, dry place.
Stay away from direct sunlight, which can accelerate fading.
Dust occasionally with a soft brush or air blower.
Minimize handling, as frequent touching may lead to petal damage.

Proper care ensures they maintain their elegance and structure for years.

Why Choose Sweetie-Gifts as Your Preserved Flower Supplier?

With over 16 years of manufacturing expertise, Sweetie-Gifts is one of the most reliable and recognized preserved flower suppliers in China. We operate production bases in Yunnan and Yiwu, and serve over 300 online retailers and 200 offline stores across 50+ countries.

We offer:

OEM/ODM services tailored to your product goals
Eco-certified processes and packaging
Custom design support to meet global market trends
Strict quality control with international certifications (REACH, CE, phytosanitary)

Our preserved flower solutions have been featured in high-profile partnerships, and we continue to support both emerging and established brands with dependable quality and industry insight.

📩 For partnership inquiries or custom order support, contact: sales@sweetie-group.com