Spring brings those amazing purple blooms that fill our yards with incredible scent, but their season passes in what feels like the blink of an eye. For me, it all started when I realized how short their bloom time really is—just a few weeks each year when everything smells wonderful, then nothing until next spring.
The good news? You don’t have to say goodbye to these beautiful blooms when their season ends. I’ve spent years experimenting with different preservation techniques, from the super simple to more involved projects that require special materials. Each method has its strengths, depending on what you’re hoping to achieve.
Whether you’re hoping to keep that signature scent around or just want something pretty to look at year-round, there are plenty of options. My grandmother always said that bringing nature indoors changes a house into a home, and preserving seasonal flowers lets you hold onto those special moments throughout the year.
1. Air Drying
Gather small bunches of lilac stems while they’re still fresh but not wet from rain or dew. Secure them with rubber bands or twine, then hang them upside down in a dark, dry space with good air circulation.
The process takes about two weeks. Your garage or a closet works perfectly as long as humidity stays low. I’ve found that smaller bunches dry more evenly than large ones.
While the color fades somewhat, the delicate shape remains intact. The dried lilacs work beautifully in wreaths or arrangements that won’t be handled much since they become quite fragile.
2. Pressing Between Book Pages
Select individual lilac florets that look particularly perfect. Place them between sheets of parchment paper, then tuck them into a heavy book. Stack additional books on top for extra weight.
Leave them undisturbed for 2-3 weeks. The moisture slowly transfers to the paper, leaving you with perfectly flat preserved flowers. I keep a dedicated flower-pressing book just for this purpose.
Once pressed, these delicate specimens work wonderfully in handmade cards, bookmarks, or framed botanical art. Unlike air-dried flowers, they won’t crumble when handled gently.
3. Silica Gel Method
Pour a layer of silica gel crystals into an airtight container, then arrange lilac clusters on top. Gently cover them completely with more silica gel, making sure to get between the tiny florets.
Seal the container and wait 3-5 days. The silica draws out moisture while maintaining the flower’s structure and color better than air drying. I tried this method last spring and was amazed by how much purple color remained.
After removing them from the silica, brush off any lingering crystals with a small paintbrush. The flowers remain somewhat flexible and look remarkably lifelike.
4. Glycerin Preservation
Mix one part glycerin with two parts warm water in a container deep enough for lilac stems. Cut stems at an angle while submerged in water to prevent air bubbles, then transfer them to the glycerin solution.
The stems will draw up the mixture over 2-3 weeks, replacing the plant’s natural moisture with glycerin. You’ll know it’s working when the leaves develop a slight sheen and feel supple rather than crisp.
Glycerin-preserved lilacs maintain flexibility and won’t shatter like dried flowers. The trade-off is that they turn a brownish-green shade rather than keeping their purple hue.
5. Resin Casting
Select perfect lilac florets and dry them completely using silica gel first. Mix clear casting resin according to package directions, then pour a thin base layer into your mold and let it partially set.
Arrange the lilac pieces on this tacky layer, then carefully pour more resin over them. My first attempts had bubbles, but I learned to use a toothpick to gently position flowers and release air pockets.
Allow the resin to cure completely—usually 24-48 hours depending on the brand. The result is a permanent preservation that showcases the flowers in crystal-clear detail.
6. Wax Preservation
Melt paraffin wax in a double boiler until completely liquid but not too hot. Dip fresh lilac clusters quickly into the melted wax, holding them by the stems and using a swirling motion.
Immediately remove and gently shake off excess wax. The thin coating seals in moisture and prevents air from reaching the petals. After trying several methods, I found that cooler wax (just above melting point) creates the thinnest, most natural-looking coat.
Hang waxed lilacs upside down until the wax hardens completely. They retain their shape and some of their color for months, though the scent will eventually fade.
7. Freeze-Drying
Professional freeze-drying removes moisture while maintaining the flower’s natural structure and color. If you don’t have access to equipment, some specialty flower preservation companies offer this service for a fee.
The process takes 1-2 weeks but yields remarkably lifelike results. Last year, I splurged on having some special lilacs from my grandmother’s bush freeze-dried, and they still look almost fresh on my shelf.
These preserved blooms need to be kept in a display case or bell jar to prevent humidity damage. Though expensive, freeze-dried lilacs maintain about 80% of their original appearance and can last for years.
8. Lilac-Infused Sugar
Layer fresh, clean lilac blossoms with granulated sugar in an airtight container. The ratio should be roughly one cup of florets to two cups of sugar. Make sure your flowers are pesticide-free and gently shaken to remove any insects.
Store in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks, shaking gently every few days. The sugar draws out the floral essence. My kitchen smelled amazing during this process!
Sift out the flowers when the sugar has absorbed enough scent. Use this delicately flavored sugar in tea, baked goods, or rimming special cocktail glasses—it brings the essence of spring to your treats year-round.
9. Lilac Vinegar
Fill a clean jar halfway with freshly picked lilac blossoms, then cover completely with white wine vinegar. Seal tightly and place in a sunny window for 2-3 weeks, shaking occasionally.
The vinegar slowly takes on a beautiful pale purple tint and the subtle flavor of lilacs. After straining out the spent flowers, transfer the infused vinegar to decorative bottles. I was skeptical about this method until I tried it in a spring salad dressing.
The floral notes are surprisingly versatile in cooking—try it in vinaigrettes, marinades, or even as a finishing touch for roasted vegetables. The acid preserves the lilac essence for up to a year.
10. Lilac Honey
Warm raw honey until just fluid but not hot (around 100°F). Pack a clean jar with fresh lilac blossoms, then pour the warm honey over them until completely covered. The warmth helps release the floral oils.
Let the mixture infuse for at least two weeks in a warm spot, turning the jar daily. The subtle lilac flavor melds beautifully with honey’s natural sweetness. My first batch was so popular with friends that I now make extra every spring.
Strain out the flowers when you’re satisfied with the flavor intensity. The preserved essence lasts for months and makes a unique addition to tea, yogurt, or drizzled over cheese.
11. Potpourri Creation
Dry lilac blossoms using the air-drying method, then mix them with other complementary dried flowers like lavender or rose petals. Add a few drops of essential oil that matches the natural lilac scent to boost the fragrance.
Incorporate fixatives like orris root powder or oak moss to help the scent last longer. These natural preservatives trap the fragrance molecules and release them slowly over time. My potpourri from three seasons ago still releases a gentle scent when stirred.
Store in decorative bowls throughout your home, refreshing with a drop of essential oil when needed. The mixture brings both visual beauty and fragrance to any room.
12. Lilac Simple Syrup
Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, bringing to a gentle simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add 2 cups of fresh lilac blossoms (stems and green parts removed).
Cover and steep for 8-12 hours or overnight. The syrup gradually takes on the lilacs’ delicate flavor and a slight purple hue. I keep a bottle in my refrigerator all summer for special drinks.
Strain through cheesecloth and store in the refrigerator for up to a month. This floral syrup makes extraordinary lemonades, cocktails, or even drizzled over pancakes—capturing spring’s essence in liquid form.
13. Pressed Lilac Candles
Press lilac florets using the book method until completely flat and dry. Melt plain white candle wax according to package directions, then let it cool slightly until a thin skin forms on top.
Carefully place the pressed lilacs onto the tacky surface, gently pressing them into the wax without submerging them. The trick is timing—too hot and they’ll sink, too cool and they won’t stick.
Add another thin layer of wax to seal the flowers in place. These decorative candles preserve the lilacs’ delicate form while creating a beautiful glow when lit, as the light shines through the pressed petals.
14. Lilac Bath Products
Fill clean muslin bags with dried lilac blossoms and tie tightly. These simple bath sachets release their gentle scent when placed in warm bathwater. Unlike harsh commercial products, these natural sachets are gentle on sensitive skin.
For bath salts, mix Epsom or sea salt with dried, crushed lilac flowers and a few drops of lilac essential oil. Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness. My bathroom cabinet always has a jar ready for those days when I need a mood boost.
The preserved lilac essence creates a spa-like experience at home, and the salts keep their fragrance for several months when properly stored.
15. Lilac-Infused Oil
Fill a clean jar with fresh lilac blossoms and cover completely with a neutral carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond. The flowers should be completely dry before adding oil to prevent spoilage.
Place the sealed jar in a sunny window for 2-3 weeks, shaking gently every few days. The oil gradually absorbs the lilac essence. After my first batch, I realized this makes a wonderful gift when packaged in small decorative bottles.
Strain thoroughly through cheesecloth and store in dark glass bottles. The infused oil works beautifully as a light massage oil or bath oil, bringing the gentle scent of spring to your self-care routine.
16. Lilac Shadow Box Display
Select a deep shadow box frame with UV-protective glass to prevent fading. Prepare lilacs using the silica gel method first, as this best maintains their dimensional quality and color.
Arrange the preserved flowers in an artistic composition on acid-free backing board, securing with tiny drops of archival glue. Leave space between elements for visual appeal. My living room features a shadow box with lilacs from our first home’s garden.
Seal the frame completely to keep out dust and humidity. Hang away from direct sunlight to further prevent fading. This preservation method creates lasting botanical artwork that commemorates special lilacs for years.