How to Keep Rose Petals Fresh With Oil

The aroma of roses can last all year long when your rose petals are preserved with rose oil.

The heady bouquet of fragrant roses can be preserved in a homemade potpourri mixture. This potpourri will dry out without the addition of essential oils, which can be found at craft stores. Careful drying and care of the rose petals will bring your summer blooms indoors all year round, delivering the aroma of the garden during the darkest days of winter. A bag of this homemade potpourri will make a thoughtful holiday gift to a fellow rose lover.

Things You'll Need

• 30 roses in full bloom
• Window screen
• Bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Essential rose oil
• Glass jar with screw on lid
• 2 cups cedar chips
• 2 cups dried laurel leaves

Instructions

1. Pull the individuals rose petals from the flowers carefully with your fingers.

2. Lay the petals on the window screen in a single row, without any petals touching each other. Dry the petals in a dark, dry location for one week. When dry, the roses should measure approximately 2 cups.

3. Place the dried rose petals in a large bowl. Add 30 drops of essential rose oil and toss the petals thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

4. Place the petals in the glass jar. Screw on the lid. Shake the jar every three days for a month to distribute the oils.

5. Add the rose petals to cedar chips and dried laurel leaves for the potpourri.

References

• "Antique Roses for the South"; William Welch; 2004
• "Potpourri: The Art of Fragrance Crafting"; Louise Gruenberg; 1990