How to Dry Kangaroo Paws

Kangaroo paws are plants in the family Haemodoraceae, native to south-western Western Australia (WA). They are lovely flowers that can be made to last a great deal longer for home display by drying them. Here is how to dry them

Steps

  1. 1
    Select the blooms you'd like to keep. Choose ones that are unblemished and in their prime. They are best picked when they have just started to come out in bloom.
  2. 2
    Pick the blooms on a dry and sunny day. The best time for picking them is the late afternoon before it gets damp in the evening, following a full day's sunshine.
  3. 3
    Tie the blooms together gently onto a coat hanger. Hang them upside down when tying.
  4. 4
    Drape a sheet of tissue paper over the hanger and the blooms.
  5. 5
    Hang up in a dry and dark place. Make sure that there is plenty of ventilation.
    • The darkness is important to help retain the original colour of the bloom.
  6. 6
    Check now and then. The flowers are dried completely when they feel crisp to the touch.
  7. 7
    Display as needed.

Things You'll Need

  • Kangaroo paws
  • Coat hanger
  • Tissue paper
  • Dry, dark and airy spot to hang for drying

Article Info

Categories: Flower Arranging and Floral Art