More Multi-use Perennials
Thanks for the great response to our post about Astrantia. We thought it would be helpful to share some more information about perennial cut flowers that perform well as both fresh and dried cut flowers. The following list includes some favorites from our own flower farm in New York and our suggestions for drying them. For drying tips, please reference the key:
Key:
* leave to dry on plant
↑ hang dry upside down
˾ set on a wire rack/shelf with some ventilation
Bold (Ampersand products. You’ll find these products listed in our ‘SPRING ROOTS’ web catalogue.)
Plant list
Asparagus*
Astilbe*
Astrantia ↑
Baby’s Breath (perennial gypsophila) ↑ ethical choices: ‘Bristol Fairy’ ‘Snowflake’. (Warning: may be invasive in your area)
Cupid’s Dart ↑
Delphinium ↑
Echinacea (pods for drying) ↑
Echinacea ‘Purpurea’
Echinops (globe thistle) ↑
Eryngium (sea holly) ↑
Ferns ˾
German Statice ˾
Goldenrod/Solidago ↑
Hydrangea (cold climate growers should choose paniculata & arborescens varieties) *
Hydrangea ‘Incrediball Blush’
Lady’s Mantle ↑
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla)
Lavender ↑
Mountain Mint* (pycanthemum virginianum) *
Oregano (regular ↑ and Kirigami ˾ )
Kirigami Oregano
Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) ↑
Penstemon* ↑
Peonies ↑
‘Coral Charm’ peonies
Rattlesnake Master ↑ (Eryngium Yuccifolium)
Roses ↑
Russian Sage ↑
Scabiosa Fama (white & blue) pods for drying ↑
Tansy ↑ (warning: may be invasive in your area.)
Yarrow (the yellow Parker’s variety is very sturdy and holds it’s color well) ↑