How to Care for Dried Flowers & Pampas Grass So They Last for Years

Dried flowers are about as low-maintenance as decor gets: no water, no wilting, no weekly trip to the florist. But they are not maintenance-free. Light, humidity and dust decide whether a bouquet looks good for a season or for years. Here is what actually makes the difference.

Do dried flowers need water?

No. Dried flowers and grasses go into a dry vase. Water softens the stems, causes mould and makes the plumes droop. If you want to use a glass vase that once held fresh flowers, make sure it is completely dry first.

Where should you place dried flowers?

• Out of direct sunlight. UV light bleaches natural colours. A bright room is fine — just avoid the sunny windowsill.
• Away from humidity. Steamy bathrooms, kitchens next to the kettle and laundry rooms make stems soft and plumes heavy. A ventilated bathroom away from the shower can work for smaller stems.
• Away from heat and flames. Dried flowers burn easily. Keep them well away from candles, fireplaces and heaters — even if candles and pampas look lovely together in photos, give them real distance on your table.
• Out of the path of draughts and pets. Open windows, fans and curious cats are the main cause of broken stems and loose fluff.

How to stop pampas grass shedding

Pampas grass and bunny tails shed most in the first days after unpacking, when the plumes settle after transport. To keep it to a minimum:

1. Shake each stem gently outdoors before you arrange it.
2. Fluff the plumes with your fingers or with a hairdryer on a cool, low setting, held at a distance.
3. Spray lightly with hairspray from about 30 cm away and let it dry before moving the stems.

Some light shedding is normal for natural grasses and settles once the stems have found their place in the vase.

How to dust dried flowers

Dust is the slow enemy of a dried bouquet. Every few weeks, use a hairdryer on the coolest, lowest setting to blow dust off the stems, or brush delicate heads with a soft make-up brush. Do not wipe them with a damp cloth.

How long do dried flowers last?

With dry air and no direct sun, a dried bouquet typically keeps its shape and colour for about 2–3 years. Colours gradually soften over time — that faded, sun-washed look is part of the charm. When a few stems look tired, simply remove them or refresh the arrangement with new ones.

Styling tips for a dried bouquet

• Use a tall, heavy vase for big pampas plumes so the arrangement doesn't tip over.
• Split a large bundle into two or three smaller vases for shelves and windowsills.
• Mix textures: feathery pampas, round billy balls and soft bunny tails look more natural together than one type alone.
• Trim stems at an angle with sharp scissors to adjust the height.

Our dried pampas grass bouquet has 115+ stems in white, ivory and natural beige, and the dried wildflower bouquet comes in four colour styles, with or without a glass vase.

Dried flower FAQ

Can I put dried flowers in the bathroom?

Only in a well-ventilated bathroom and away from the shower. Steam makes dried stems soft and can lead to mould.

Why are my pampas plumes flat after delivery?

They are compressed during shipping. Shake them outdoors and fluff them with a cool hairdryer; they usually open up within a day or two.

Can dried flowers get wet?

Avoid it. If they get damp, let them air-dry upright in a warm, ventilated room away from direct heat.

See the full dried flowers collection — with free tracked shipping to 34 countries and 30-day returns.

With love, Emma at BohoArtis