How to Make a Dried Lavender Wreath That Keeps Its Color
Create a lasting dried lavender wreath with this detailed, step-by-step guide. Learn which lavender bundles to use, how to prepare your wreath base, assemble and wrap your wreath securely, and care for it properly to keep color vibrant and buds intact. This guide covers common mistakes and what to do to fix them, helping you craft a beautiful wreath perfect...
Save
Choosing the Right Lavender Bundles for Your Wreath
Selecting the right lavender starts your wreath off well. Lavandins like Grosso, Phenomenal, and Provence are top picks. They have long, sturdy stems and large flower heads, which build a full and striking wreath. English lavenders tend to have finer stems and smaller buds. They work well if you want a delicate, lighter wreath or intricate designs.For best results, use lavender that’s been dried fully but still holds a little bend in the stems. Stems that are too dry snap and shed buds easily when handled. A good way to check is to gently bend the stem; it should flex, not break. For a 14 to 16-inch wreath, plan about 100 to 150 stems total. This breaks down to around 20 to 30 stems per 6-inch section of the base. Adjust amounts depending on how thick and full you want your wreath to look.
Selecting and Preparing Your Wreath Base
The wreath base supports your lavender and shapes the final look. Grapevine bases are popular; their twists hold stems naturally, letting you tuck in bundles with little fuss. They give a rustic, natural feel.Alternatively, use a wire wreath frame you wrap in green floral tape. This helps your stems grip the frame when wired down and hides the metal for a cleaner look. If you pick a wire frame, choose one about 14 to 16 inches in diameter so you have enough room to add a thick covering of lavender.
Before starting, inspect the base. On grapevine, remove loose twigs and check for any sharp thorns that might damage stems or skin. If using a wire frame, wrap it completely in floral tape for better grip and to protect the lavender stems. These small steps protect your wreath’s durability as you build it.
Step-by-Step Assembly and Wrapping Technique
Start by dividing your lavender into small bundles—about 5 to 10 stems each. Hold a bundle with stems pointing in one direction and lay it flat against the wreath base, moving clockwise around it. Arrange each new bundle to slightly overlap the previous bundle’s stems. This overlapping hides the wire and helps create a uniform look.Secure each bundle with 24-gauge floral wire. Wrap the wire tightly around the stems and base once or twice before moving on. Twisting the wire flat and trimming excess stops bulky knots and keeps the back neat. Make sure the wire grips firmly, but don’t crush the stems.
Continue around the entire wreath, wiring down each bundle before adding the next. When you reach the starting point, check for any gaps or loose spots and add small sprigs wired in place. The key is consistent, close placement and tight wiring to hold everything firmly. Taking your time ensures your wreath will hold together well.
How to Care for Your Lavender Wreath to Preserve Color and Shape
Good care keeps your wreath beautiful for seasons. Lavender fades with sun, so avoid hanging your wreath in direct sunlight. Bright indoor windows or south-facing walls can bleach the colors in a few weeks.Humidity also harms lavender. Bathrooms, kitchens, or damp basements encourage mold and loosen buds. Choose dry, shaded areas inside your home.
If buds start falling, take the wreath outside and gently shake it to release loose bits. Don’t try to glue or reattach buds; that can damage delicate flowers.
Avoid spraying your wreath with water or sprays. Lavender needs to stay dry to hold shape and color. When moving the wreath, support it evenly to keep stems from snapping. Storing between seasons, place it in a sturdy box lined with tissue paper to protect buds while keeping air circulation.
Common Mistakes That Cause Lavender Wreaths to Shed
Shedding buds can spoil your lavender wreath fast. Loose wiring is one common cause. If bundles aren’t tightly wired, stems slip and buds fall off. Make sure wire is snug, especially on the wreath’s back side where you can’t see it.Using partially dried or fresh lavender causes problems. Fresh stems release moisture and soften as they dry, making the wreath fragile and prone to breakage. Always use fully dried lavender that still has some flexibility.
Exposing wreaths to sunlight or damp spots fades color and dries buds until they break easily. Frequent touching or bumping buds knocks petals loose. Handle wreaths gently and place them in safe spots.
Cutting lavender from older wood can produce tough, brittle stems hard to bind securely. Try to harvest or buy lavender cut from newer, green growth for best results.
Summary of Supplies You’ll Need
Gathering your materials ahead saves time and hassle. You’ll need:- Dried lavandin bundles (Grosso, Phenomenal, or Provence varieties recommended)
- A grapevine wreath base or a wire wreath frame (14 to 16 inches diameter)
- 24-gauge floral wire, green or silver (for securing bundles)
- Wire cutters and scissors for trimming wire and stems
- Floral tape (optional, especially for wire frames)
- Protective gloves to avoid scratches and handle prickly grapevine
Having everything ready helps your wreath come together smoothly.
Growing Lavender for Wreaths: Tips by USDA Zone
If you grow your own lavender, timing harvest right helps wreath quality. In USDA zones 5 and 6, harvest lavender buds just as the first flowers open, usually in late June or early July. Stems will be long and colors fresh. Cut stems early morning after dew dries for best moisture balance.In zones 7 and warmer, harvest can happen earlier, sometimes late May or early June. Watch the buds closely; cutting too late means flowers open fully and fade faster after drying.
After cutting, hang lavender upside down in a dry, dark place with good air circulation to dry fully. This preserves color and reduces stem brittleness. Drying takes about 2 weeks depending on humidity.
Proper harvest and drying are key to wreath success. Well-timed, fully dried lavender makes wreath construction easier and keeps color longer.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Wreath Looking Its Best
To extend your wreath’s beauty, keep it out of drafts or vents which can dry stems unevenly. Dust it gently with a soft brush or a hairdryer on low cold setting if dust gathers.If buds fade slowly over time, you can revive scent slightly by holding the wreath near fresh lavender or essential oil. This doesn’t restore color but gives an extra aromatic boost.
Store your wreath in a breathable container to avoid crushed or broken buds. Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers which trap moisture.
Enjoy your wreath as a natural decoration for holidays or year-round. When well made and cared for, dried lavender wreaths remain a charming addition to home décor for many months and sometimes years.
Share how it went in your field