Guide to the Best Flowers for Making Potpourri

Potpourri is a timeless way to bring the beauty and fragrance of flowers into your home. A mix of dried flowers, herbs, spices, and essential oils, potpourri can enhance the ambiance of any space with its natural scents and visual appeal. The key to creating exceptional potpourri lies in selecting flowers that retain their fragrance and color after drying, while also complementing other ingredients. Below are some of the best flowers for making potpourri, along with tips on their scents, uses, and preparation.

1. Rose (Rosa spp.)

Scent Profile: Sweet, rich, and floral with a classic fragrance that varies by variety.

Best Uses: The backbone of many potpourri blends due to its strong, lingering scent and attractive petals.

Why It’s Great: Roses are widely available, and their petals hold both fragrance and color well when dried. They pair beautifully with spices, citrus, and other floral notes.

Preparation Tips: Harvest fully open blooms in the morning when their essential oils are strongest. Dry petals flat on a screen or in a dehydrator, avoiding direct sunlight to preserve color. Use fragrant varieties like Damask or Old Garden roses for the best results.

Potpourri Idea: Combine dried rose petals with cinnamon sticks and clove buds for a warm, romantic blend.

2. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Scent Profile: Clean, calming, and herbaceous with a slightly sweet floral note.

Best Uses: A staple in potpourri for its long-lasting fragrance and versatility.

Why It’s Great: Lavender retains its scent for months or even years after drying, making it ideal for long-term use. Its small, purple buds also add texture and color to mixes.

Preparation Tips: Harvest flower spikes just as the buds begin to open. Hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area to dry. English lavender (L. angustifolia) is preferred for its sweeter, less camphorous scent.

Potpourri Idea: Mix lavender buds with dried lemon peel and a few drops of lavender essential oil for a refreshing, calming blend.

3. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Scent Profile: Gentle, apple-like, with a soft, herbaceous undertone.

Best Uses: Adds a subtle, soothing fragrance to potpourri blends, often used as a supporting note.

Why It’s Great: Chamomile’s delicate scent complements stronger flowers like roses or lavender, and its small, daisy-like flowers add a whimsical touch to the mix.

Preparation Tips: Harvest flower heads when fully open and dry them quickly in a dehydrator or low oven to preserve their scent and shape. Avoid over-drying, as they can become brittle.

Potpourri Idea: Blend chamomile flowers with dried mint leaves and a hint of vanilla for a relaxing, cozy scent.

4. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Scent Profile: Warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy with a unique herbal edge.

Best Uses: Adds vibrant color and a distinctive fragrance to potpourri blends.

Why It’s Great: Marigolds dry well, retaining their bright yellow or orange hues, which make them a striking addition to any mix. Their scent is less overpowering, making them a good companion for other flowers.

Preparation Tips: Harvest fully open blooms and dry them flat or hang them upside down in a shaded area. Remove petals from the flower head once dried for easier mixing.

Potpourri Idea: Combine marigold petals with dried orange peel and a touch of clove for a cheerful, autumnal blend.

5. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)

Scent Profile: Sweet, exotic, and intensely floral with a rich, lingering aroma.

Best Uses: A luxurious addition to potpourri for its potent fragrance.

Why It’s Great: Jasmine flowers offer a powerful scent that can elevate any blend, even in small quantities. Though they lose some color when dried, their fragrance remains strong.

Preparation Tips: Harvest flowers in the early morning when their scent is most concentrated. Dry them quickly in a dehydrator or low oven to preserve their aroma, as they can mold if air-dried slowly.

Potpourri Idea: Mix jasmine flowers with dried rosebuds and a few drops of sandalwood oil for an elegant, exotic blend.

6. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Scent Profile: Mild, earthy, and slightly spicy with a subtle floral note.

Best Uses: Adds bright color and a gentle scent to potpourri, often used for visual appeal.

Why It’s Great: Calendula’s golden-orange petals retain their color well when dried, making them a favorite for decorative potpourri. Their scent is subtle but complements stronger fragrances.

Preparation Tips: Harvest fully open flowers and dry them flat on a screen in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Separate the petals after drying for even distribution in the mix.

Potpourri Idea: Blend calendula petals with dried lavender and a hint of rosemary for a soothing, garden-inspired scent.

7. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Scent Profile: Light, sweet, and slightly spicy with a delicate floral aroma.

Best Uses: Adds vivid blue color and a subtle fragrance to potpourri blends.

Why It’s Great: Cornflowers are prized for their striking color, which holds up well when dried, making them a standout in decorative mixes. Their scent is mild but pleasant.

Preparation Tips: Harvest flowers when fully open and dry them quickly in a dehydrator or low oven to preserve their vibrant blue hue. Handle gently, as petals can be fragile.

Potpourri Idea: Combine cornflower petals with dried rose petals and a touch of citrus zest for a colorful, uplifting blend.

General Tips for Making Potpourri

Flower Selection: Choose flowers that retain their scent and color after drying. Combine strong-scented flowers (like lavender or rose) with milder ones (like calendula or cornflower) for balance.

Harvesting: Pick flowers in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun diminishes their essential oils. Select blooms at their peak for the best fragrance and appearance.

Drying: Dry flowers in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area by hanging them upside down, laying them flat on a screen, or using a dehydrator. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and reduce fragrance.

Fixatives: Use a fixative like orris root powder or cellulose fiber to help retain the scent of your potpourri. Add a few teaspoons per cup of dried material.

Essential Oils: Enhance or refresh the fragrance with a few drops of essential oils that match or complement your flowers (e.g., rose oil with rose petals).

Storage: Store potpourri in an airtight container for a few weeks to let the scents meld before displaying it in open bowls. Refresh with essential oils as needed.

Basic Potpourri Recipe

Ingredients:

- 2 cups dried flower petals (e.g., rose, lavender, or marigold)

- 1 cup dried herbs (e.g., mint or rosemary)

- 1 tablespoon fixative (e.g., orris root powder)

- 1 teaspoon spices (e.g., cinnamon or clove)

- 5-10 drops essential oil (e.g., lavender or rose)

Instructions:

1. Combine dried flower petals, herbs, and spices in a large bowl.

2. Sprinkle the fixative over the mixture and toss gently to distribute.

3. Add essential oil drops, mixing well to ensure even coverage.

4. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and let it sit for 2-4 weeks, shaking occasionally to blend the scents.

5. Display in an open bowl or sachet, refreshing with additional essential oil as needed.

Making potpourri is a creative and rewarding way to preserve the beauty and fragrance of flowers. Roses, lavender, chamomile, marigolds, jasmine, calendula, and cornflowers are among the best choices for their scent, color, and drying qualities. Experiment with different combinations and complementary ingredients like herbs, spices, and essential oils to create a personalized blend that suits your style and space.