A beautiful dried bunch looks effortless, but behind it lies real craft. Understanding how botanicals are made helps buyers specify exactly what they need.
Air-drying
The oldest method is the simplest: stems are harvested at peak and air-dried, usually hung upside down in a controlled, ventilated space. The result is a natural, slightly muted look that suits lavender, wheat, and most everlastings. It keeps the plant's character intact.
Preserving
For greenery that must stay supple — ruscus, eucalyptus, salal — preserving is the answer. A glycerine-based process replaces the plant's moisture, keeping leaves flexible and colour-fast for years rather than brittle. Preserved foliage is the florist's workhorse.
Bleaching and dyeing
Where a clean white or a bold colour is wanted, stems are bleached and then dyed. This is how pampas and bunny tails reach those soft pastels and rich tones — a controlled, repeatable finish for designers who need a specific palette.
Every method has its place, and we supply across all three. Ruscus offers natural, preserved, and dyed botanicals wholesale — tell us the finish you need.