What Are Cherry Blossoms?
Overview:
Cherry blossoms, or sakura in Japanese, are deciduous trees from the Rosaceae family. They are among Japan’s most iconic flowers, celebrated in classical poetry and literature as a symbol of the spring season.
There are over 100 varieties of cherry blossoms in Japan. Common types include Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Shidarezakura. Petals range from pale pink and white to deeper pinks and even slightly greenish tones, with varying blossom sizes from large and full to small and delicate.
Somei Yoshino is the most widely planted variety, known for its even blooming and fast growth. Introduced during the late Edo period, it is a popular sight in parks and schoolyards across Japan. When cherry blossoms bloom, the Japanese tradition of hanami (flower viewing) takes place, where people gather to enjoy the fleeting beauty of the flowers.
Symbolism:
Cherry blossoms carry meanings like “spiritual beauty,” “graceful woman,” and “purity.” Because their bloom is short-lived—often just about a week—they are also associated with the concept of transience or “ephemeral beauty.”
Drying Cherry Blossoms with OUKA FLOWER’s Technique
Cherry blossoms are delicate and not ideal for air or heat drying due to their thin, fragile petals. So, for this guide, we’ll use the silica gel method, which better preserves their form and color.
Before Drying
After Drying
As you can see, the petals shrink slightly as moisture leaves, but the color remains beautifully intact.
Step-by-Step: Silica Gel Drying Method
Step 1: Use Silica Gel for Flowers
There are many types of silica gel (for food, clothing, etc.), but the kind used for drying flowers is much finer—almost like sand.
The fine texture prevents the petals from getting crushed, which can happen with coarser grains.
Step 2: Embedding the Flowers
Place the fresh blossoms in an airtight container and carefully cover them with silica gel.
Make sure to gently fill in the gaps between the petals without applying pressure. Pour the gel slowly and in stages to avoid damaging the petals.
Step 3: Let It Dry
After about 4–5 days, gently remove the flowers using a strainer to separate them from the gel without touching them directly.
The result is beautifully preserved blossoms that still hold their shape and color.
Trying the Hot Air Drying Method
We also tried a more experimental approach using a household futon dryer, which emits gentle warm air and allows you to control the airflow direction—ideal for home use!
To create a semi-enclosed drying space, we wrapped a sheet around a clip hanger.
This setup let air circulate without overwhelming the flowers.
After six hours of warm air…
The petals had mostly scattered despite careful airflow control. While the petals themselves dried well, the swaying motion from hanging may have caused them to fall. Next time, we might try laying the blossoms flat in a basket instead of hanging them.
How to Store Your Dried Flowers
To keep your dried cherry blossoms looking beautiful, follow these tips:
- Avoid Humidity
Moisture can lead to mold or deformation. Keep flowers away from kitchens, bathrooms, or damp areas. - Avoid Direct Sunlight
Too much sun can bleach the colors. Place them in a spot with indirect light or in a bright, shaded room. - Ensure Good Airflow
Poor ventilation traps moisture. Avoid sealing them in airtight cases or closets. - Prevent Dust Buildup
Use a soft brush or air blower to gently remove dust and keep the flowers fresh-looking.
Decorating with Dried Cherry Blossoms
Here’s how we arranged our dried cherry blossoms using OUKA FLOWER’s handmade “Ichirin” product.
What is Ichirin?
“Ichirin” means “one flower.” It’s a handmade floral art series that incorporates not only commercial blooms but also upcycled “pruned flowers” to give new life to each piece.
For this arrangement, we used dried cherry blossoms and vibrant carnations.
We gently removed petals from the carnations and used them to support and fill gaps between the cherry blossom petals.
The cherry blossom remains the star—carnations are added behind it to complement without overpowering.
Finished with our signature wall-mounted denim vase, the result is a unique and elegant display.
Final Thoughts
Dried flower arrangements like bouquets and swags are popular, but Japan also has a tradition of showcasing single flowers in minimalist ways.
By using a wall-mounted vase instead of a traditional container, you can bring a subtle, elegant floral accent into your space.
We hope this inspires you to create your own dried cherry blossom displays. Happy drying!
We dream of a world where, like the first person ever to give a flower, we uncover the hidden beauty in every bloom.
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Author
Gen Akita
A creator of Ouka, a dried flower brand built on the concept of discovering the hidden beauty in all plants—just like the first person in human history to give a flower—redefining their value, and continuously creating a world where dried flowers, people, and objects coexist in harmony.