Flowers That Hold Their Colour Well When Pressed

At SIÓG Botanicals, we believe that preserving the vibrant hues of flowers is as important as capturing their delicate forms. Whether you're commemorating a special occasion or simply cherishing nature's beauty, selecting flowers that retain their colour when pressed ensures your botanical art remains vivid for years to come.

Eryngium (Sea Holly)

Eryngium, commonly known as Sea Holly, has spiky, thistle-like blooms in striking shades of blue and silver. Their unique texture and metallic sheen make them a standout in pressed flower art. When pressed, Eryngium retains its structural integrity and colour, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to any composition.

Astrantia 

Astrantia features delicate, star-shaped flowers surrounded by papery bracts, often in hues of pink, burgundy, and white. These blooms press exceptionally well, maintaining their intricate details and subtle colours. Astrantia adds a romantic and vintage charm to pressed flower arrangements, making them a favourite among floral artists. Press promptly after harvesting to preserve their delicate colours.

Statice 

Statice is renowned for its papery, funnel-shaped calyces that come in a spectrum of colours, including purples, blues, and yellows. These blooms are particularly valued in dried flower arrangements for their longevity and colour retention. When pressed, Statice maintains its vibrant hues and structure, making it an excellent choice for adding pops of colour to your botanical art. Due to their sturdy structure, ensure even pressure during pressing to maintain their form.

Sunflowers 

Sunflowers, with their bold yellow petals and dark centres, are iconic symbols of summer. While their size and thickness can pose challenges in pressing, selecting smaller varieties or individual petals can yield beautiful results. When properly pressed, sunflowers retain their cheerful colour, bringing warmth and brightness to any pressed flower piece. Consider pressing individual petals or smaller varieties for optimal results.

Pansies and Violas

These charming blooms are favourites among flower pressers. Their naturally flat faces and rich, velvety colours that range from deep purples to sunny yellows make them ideal for pressing. 

Forget-Me-Nots 

Delicate and sentimental, forget-me-nots boast a brilliant blue hue that holds exceptionally well when pressed. Their tiny size makes them perfect for adding intricate details to your pressed flower compositions.

Cosmos

With their daisy-like appearance and vibrant colours—ranging from soft pinks to deep magentas—cosmos flowers press beautifully. Their broad petals lay flat easily, and their colours remain vivid, making them a popular choice for larger pressed flower artworks. 

Delphinium and Larkspur

These tall, spiky blooms offer a spectrum of blues and purples that retain their intensity when pressed. By removing individual florets from the stem, you can achieve a flat press that showcases their intricate details. 

Daisies

Simple yet timeless, daisies remind us of endless summer days. Their flat structure and sturdy centres make them easy to press, and their white petals with yellow centres remain cheerful and bright in dried arrangements. 

Hydrangeas

Popular in the gardens of Ireland, hydrangeas might seem challenging to press, but their individual florets can be separated and pressed with ease. They come in various shades, including blues, pinks, and purples, which often maintain their soft tones once pressed.

Buttercups

These golden-yellow blooms are a delightful addition to pressed flower art. Their glossy petals retain a bright colour, adding a touch of sunshine to any composition. 

Queen Anne’s Lace 

Delicate and lacy, this wildflower adds intricate patterns to pressed flower pieces. Its tiny white blossoms maintain their form and subtle colour, providing a beautiful contrast against more vibrant blooms. 

Lavender

Beyond its soothing fragrance, lavender's slender stems and tiny purple flowers press well, retaining both their shape and a muted version of their original colour. They add texture and a rustic charm to pressed arrangements.

Gerberas

Gerberas offer a burst of colour, from reds and oranges to pinks and purples. While their thicker petals require a bit more pressing time and changing out of paper each week, the payoff is vibrant, long-lasting colour in your pressed flower art.

Freesia

Freesias are cherished for their sweet fragrance and delicate. Their slender petals press well, often retaining much of their original colour. Incorporating Freesia into your pressed flower art adds a touch of elegance and a hint of their delightful scent, evoking memories of springtime gardens. Press soon after harvesting to preserve their delicate colours.

Tips for Optimal Colour Retention:

• Harvest flowers when they're fully open but not yet fading.
• Ensure flowers are dry before pressing to prevent browning or mould.
• Store pressed flowers away from direct sunlight to maintain their colour.
• Use Absorbent Paper: Place flowers between highly absorbent (300GSM+) paper
• Check your press and change blotting paper regularly on thicker petals if required

Explore our collection of pressed flower art prints here

Discover how we at SIÓG Botanicals transform flowers into pressed flower art at one of our workshops - view full list of upcoming flower pressing workshops here