Rose and Lemon Potpourri: How to Roses | How to Dry Citrus | Supplies | Recipe

Ah, potpourri—fancy, fragrant, and once the air freshener of choice before we started plugging in scent diffusers. Originating from 17th-century France, potpourri was a way to naturally perfume homes using dried flowers, herbs, and spices. (I hear Colonel Sanders was a big fan of potpourri.) Not only does it smell divine, but it also adds a charming, vintage touch to any space.

How to Dry Ingredients for Rose and Lemon Potpourri

How to Dry Roses

To get the best fragrance, pick roses just short of full bloom, as early in the day as possible but after the dew has dried completely. You can also use flowers from a bouquet—what better way to preserve a memory?

Peel the petals off their stems and lay them on screens. You could also stretch muslin over empty frames or invest in drying racks. Place your frames in a dry, airy place, out of direct sunlight and wind. If you dry them outside, bring them in at night to prevent moisture from undoing your hard work.

Attics work great for drying, as does placing a pan on a radiator or the warming shelf of a stove. Just remember—all flowers, fruit peels, and herbs must be completely dry before mixing them into your potpourri!

How to Dry Citrus Peels

Citrus peels add a bright, fresh scent to potpourri, but they need to be dried properly to prevent mold. Start by peeling oranges, lemons, or limes in thin strips, and remove as much of the bitter white pith as possible.

Lay the peels in a single layer on a drying rack, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or even a paper towel. Place them in a warm, dry spot with good airflow—on top of the fridge, near a sunny window (but not in direct sunlight), or in an oven set to the lowest temperature (around 150°F) for a couple of hours. You can also use a dehydrator for faster results.

Once the peels are crisp and snap easily, they’re ready to be added to your potpourri mix!

What You’ll Need:

• Drying Setup – Go rustic with an old window screen on sawhorses in a dry room, or opt for fancy drying racks.
• Flowers & Herbs – Gather your rose petals, lemon verbena, and other botanical goodies.
• Mixing Bowl – A big one to toss everything together.
• Jar or Container – To store your finished potpourri.
• Essential Oils (Optional) – A few drops can intensify the fragrance.
• Fabric for Sachets – (Hint: Green Carbon 2112 Fabric designs make gorgeous sachets!)

How to Use Potpourri:

• In Decorative Bowls – Perfect for a fragrant centerpiece.
• In Sachets – Tuck into drawers, closets, or even your car.

Classic Rose and Lemon Potpourri Recipe

Instructions:

1. Dry the botanicals – Ensure all flowers, herbs, and peels are completely dry before beginning.
2. Mix it up – In a large bowl, combine the dried petals, leaves, and herbs.
3. Add the spices – Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Incorporate the fixatives – Sprinkle the mixture with orris root, then add the rose oil. Stir gently.
5. Let it cure – Cover and stir every few days for one month to allow the scents to blend and mellow. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix.
6. Store & Enjoy – Transfer to a lovely open glass jar to scent your room, or divide into sachets to tuck into drawers.

Not only is this DIY project easy, but it also repurposes natural materials for a waste-free, fragrant home. Plus, with the right fabric, your handmade sachets will be as gorgeous as they are functional. Try out different flower and herb combinations, and let your creativity bloom!

Ready to craft more sustainable creations? Check out my shop for beautiful fabric designs perfect for sachets and other DIY projects!