Valentine’s Roses Potpourri

Valentine’s Roses Potpourri – A Scented Blend

Drying Roses for Potpourri

Make your potpourri from all roses or add in other mixed flower petals. Once your roses are dried, you can create a lovely scented blend of flowers and spices, called a potpourri. Below is an easy, but wonderfully fragrant recipe.

There are several ways to dry roses using silica gel or a dehydrator- however, here’s 2 simple ways, one is quick and one takes a bit longer, but they don’t require any special equipment.

Air-dry Method:
1. Strip the leaves off the stems to prevent mould and increase drying success. If you want leaves in your potpourri dry them separately using the oven method.
2. Remove any mouldy or soggy rot petals and discard. Gather the roses in bunches of 3-4 stems and tie with string or an elastic band. Hang the roses upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. If necessary, use a fan to create airflow. It is the warm, circulating dry air that will give the best results.
3. Let the roses dry for 2-3 weeks, or until they are firm to the touch. Once dry, remove the petals from the stems. If displaying in a decorative bowl, break off a few rose heads first, and leave whole. They will add lovely visual interest to your potpourri.

Oven-dry Method:
1. Remove the rose petals from the stems and add to a bowl. Discard any petals that are mouldy or soggy. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil and gently toss.
2. Spread petals on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them – use 2 pans if necessary
OR
For best results place a metal cooling rack on the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread the petals out over the rack. I find using a rack creates better air flow ending in better results.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set it to its lowest temperature (around 170°F or 75°C) lower if your oven goes lower. If you have a warming drawer, use it instead. The petals will dry better at a lower temperature. Too high a temperature will bake the petals instead of drying them.

TIP: If you don’t have a warming drawer, you can use the oven on-off method: Once the oven reaches the lowest temperature of 170°F or 75°C turn it off. Now put your tray of petals in the oven, close the door and wait an hour.
Next: Take the pan out of the oven, preheat the oven again and repeat the cycle of turning the oven on and off, putting the roses back in the oven and waiting an hour. Repeat until the roses are dry but not overly crisp. This method is more time consuming but will give better results.
Dry the petals for 2 – 3 hours until they are lovely and dry but not overly crisp. Petals will naturally dry darker than when they were fresh.

Scented Potpourri

SCENTED POTPOURRI RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:
• Dried rose petals from 1-2 dozen roses and/or mixed flower petals or Flower Sprinkles
• ¼ – ½ cup of Dried Lavender (optional but recommended)
• ¼ – ½ cup dried orange peel
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon pieces or 1 crushed cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons of dried cloves
• A few drops of rose essential oil or your favourite essential oil (optional but recommended)

Fragrant Flower Petal Sachets

HOW TO:
1. Add the dried rose petals to a bowl with lavender if using, orange peel, cinnamon, and cloves
2. Add a few drops of essential oil for extra fragrance and gently toss
3. Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 days to let the scents blend
4. Put your potpourri in a decorative bowl or create sachets to tuck into drawers
TIP: Use Reusable Cotton Tea Bags for your sachets or Unbleached Tea Bags

TIPS FOR A LONGER LASTING POTPOURRI:
• Refresh Scent: Add a few more drops of essential oil if the fragrance begins to fade
• Store Dry: Keep potpourri in a dry spot to prolong its life

By repurposing your florist roses into potpourri, you can enjoy their beauty and scent long after Valentine’s Day. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to hold on to the memories and the roses!

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