Are Preserved Flowers Real? How They're Different

It's one of the questions we're asked most often at the studio: are preserved flowers real, or are they a clever fake? The short answer is a happy one — yes, they are completely real. Preserved flowers begin life as genuine blooms, grown and cut just like any other, then given a special treatment that locks in their colour and softness so they can be enjoyed for months rather than days.

They're not silk, they're not plastic, and they're not simply dried out and brittle. They sit in their own category — real botanicals that have been paused at their peak. Here's exactly what that means, and how preserved flowers differ from fresh, dried and silk so you can choose the right gift with confidence.

So, are preserved flowers real flowers?

Yes. A preserved flower is a real flower — a rose is a real rose, a stem of eucalyptus is real eucalyptus — that has been treated to keep its natural shape, texture and colour long after a fresh bloom would have faded. When you touch a preserved rose, the petals feel supple and lifelike rather than papery, because the treatment keeps them soft.

The key differences from a fresh flower are simple: preserved flowers need no water, no sunlight and no fussing, and they last for months on end. They are, however, purely decorative — preserved flowers are not edible, so they belong on a mantelpiece or dressing table, never on a plate.

How preserved flowers are made (the short version)

Fresh blooms are selected at their most beautiful and then hand-finished in our Leeds studio. The natural moisture and sap inside each stem is gently replaced with a plant-based, glycerine-style solution. That solution is what keeps the petals flexible and the colour vivid — it's why a good preserved rose looks and feels so close to a fresh one.

Because the process works with the flower's own structure rather than drying it to a crisp, the result is far more forgiving than a dried bloom: less brittle, more true to life, and beautifully long-lasting. If you'd like to see the finished pieces, our preserved flower collection shows the range, and there are plenty more arrangements in the gallery.

Preserved vs fresh, dried and silk

All four have their place — it really comes down to what you want the flowers to do. Here's how they compare.

Preserved flowers

• What they are: real flowers treated to stay soft and colourful.
• Lifespan: months, often much longer, with a little care.
• Upkeep: none — no water, just keep them dry and out of direct sun.
• Best for: a lasting keepsake that still looks and feels natural.

Fresh flowers

• What they are: just-cut living blooms.
• Lifespan: around 7–14 days with care.
• Upkeep: fresh water, a cool spot and a trim now and then.
• Best for: that unmistakable just-picked scent and softness for a special occasion. We deliver fresh flowers across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

Dried flowers

• What they are: real flowers dried of all moisture.
• Lifespan: long, but the colour fades and petals turn brittle.
• Upkeep: minimal, though they can shed and dislike damp.
• Best for: a rustic, muted, textural look.

Silk (artificial) flowers

• What they are: fabric or plastic imitations — not real botanicals at all.
• Lifespan: indefinite, but they never feel like the real thing.
• Best for: pure convenience where realism isn't the priority.

If you'd like a fuller side-by-side — including our hand-crocheted flowers — you'll find more guides comparing each option in the everlasting flowers section of the journal.

Are preserved flowers safe for pets and allergies?

This is where preserved flowers quietly shine. Because they carry no pollen and have no scent to speak of, they're a thoughtful choice for anyone with hay fever or a sensitivity to fragrance. There's also nothing to knock over and spill.

That said, please treat safety as guidance rather than a guarantee. Preserved flowers are not edible and shouldn't be chewed by curious pets — and while common fresh flowers like lilies are highly toxic to cats, and tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and chrysanthemum are frequently listed as toxic or irritant to cats and dogs, we always suggest checking your vet or the ASPCA or Blue Cross plant lists before bringing any flowers into a home with animals. If total peace of mind matters most, our pollen-free crochet flowers — inert yarn with nothing to ingest — are the most worry-free gift of all.

Caring for preserved flowers

Looking after preserved flowers is refreshingly simple:

1. No water — never place them in a vase of water; moisture is their one enemy.
2. Keep them dry — avoid steamy bathrooms and damp windowsills.
3. Out of direct sunlight — strong sun can gradually fade the colour.
4. Dust gently — a soft brush or a light puff of air is all they need.

Follow those and your arrangement will stay lovely for a very long time. For more on keeping every kind of flower at its best, see our flower care guide. Preserved flowers make especially meaningful gifts for occasions you want to remember — an anniversary or a gentle gesture of sympathy — precisely because they last. Browse everything we make on our shop page, and do get in touch if you'd like something bespoke.