The Best Herbs & Flowers for Dried Potpourri (and How to Grow Them at Home)
- Astrid van Essen
- May 17
- 4 min read
If you're anything like me, you’ll know the joy of bringing the scent of the garden indoors. Whether it's the calming aroma of lavender or the crisp freshness of mint, growing your herbs and flowers for dried potpourri is a simple way to fill your home with natural fragrance – and enjoy the process from seed to scent.
In this guide, I’ll explain the best herbs and flowers to grow for dried potpourri, how to care for them, and when to harvest and dry them for the most fragrant results.
Why Use Homegrown Ingredients in Dried Potpourri?
Growing your own ingredients for potpourri has several benefits:
Stronger, fresher fragrance than shop-bought blends
No added chemicals or synthetic perfumes
More sustainable and cost-effective
Adds a personal touch to your home or handmade gifts
Even if you only have a windowsill or balcony, many herbs and flowers grow well in pots.
Best Herbs for Dried Potpourri
Lavender
One of the most popular herbs for potpourri, lavender offers a calming, floral scent that blends beautifully with other ingredients.
Growing tips: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Ideal for containers.
Harvesting: Pick flower heads when the buds are just beginning to open, not in full bloom.
Drying tip: Tie in small bundles and hang upside down in a dry, airy space.
Rosemary
Rosemary brings a woody, herbal aroma and holds its shape and scent well when dried.
Growing tips: Needs plenty of sun and good drainage. Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
Harvesting: Snip sprigs as needed once the plant is established.
Mint
Mint adds a fresh, uplifting scent to any potpourri mix.
Growing tips: It grows quickly and spreads quickly, so it is best kept in a pot to contain it. It prefers moist soil and partial sun.
Harvesting: Pick leaves before flowering for the best aroma.
Lemon Balm
With a gentle citrusy fragrance, lemon balm pairs well with floral or herbal potpourri blends.
Growing tips: Easy to grow from seed or cuttings. Likes part-shade and rich, moist soil.
Harvesting: Pick in the morning just after the dew dries.
Best Flowers for Dried Potpourri
Roses
Rose petals are a classic potpourri ingredient, offering a sweet scent and romantic colour.
Growing tips: Needs at least six hours of sun daily and regular feeding.
Harvesting: Pick petals as the flowers open – avoid fully bloomed or fading petals.
Calendula (Marigold)
Calendula petals add a vibrant yellow-orange colour and a slightly spicy, earthy scent.
Growing tips: Easy to grow from seed. Prefers sun and well-drained soil.
Harvesting: Pick petals just after they open. Avoid damp or rainy days.
Chamomile
Chamomile flowers offer a soft, apple-like scent – perfect for bedtime blends.
Growing tips: Prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade. Needs light, sandy soil.
Harvesting: Snip flower heads when fully open and fragrant.
Hibiscus
Although not strongly scented, dried hibiscus adds a rich colour and a touch of tartness to the aroma profile.
Growing tips: Prefers warmth and moisture – best suited to indoor pots or greenhouses in cooler climates.
Harvesting: Use dried petals from faded blooms.
When and How to Harvest for Potpourri
Best time of day: Mid-morning, once the dew has evaporated but before the sun is too strong.
Only pick healthy, undamaged leaves and petals. Avoid any with signs of pests or mould.
Use clean, sharp scissors or snips to prevent damage to the plant.
How to Dry Herbs and Flowers for Potpourri
Air drying: Spread in a single layer on a tray or hang in small bunches in a warm, dry room away from direct sunlight.
Dehydrator: Use the lowest heat setting. This is quicker but may reduce the colour slightly.
Storage: Store ingredients in airtight jars away from heat and light once dehydrated.
Simple Potpourri Recipe Using Garden Herbs and Flowers
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons dried lavender
2 tablespoons dried rose petals
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried orange peel (optional)
A pinch of orris root powder or pink Himalayan salt as a fixative
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and gently mix.
Place in a sealed container for 1–2 weeks to let the scents blend.
Display in bowls or fill small pouches for a fragrant drawer sachet.
Final Thoughts
Growing your own herbs and flowers for potpourri is a lovely way to enjoy the scent of your garden year-round. Even a few pots on a windowsill can give you enough to make small seasonal blends for yourself or to gift to friends.
If you’d like more ideas, have a look at my other post on the 5 Best Dried Potpourri Recipes or explore tips for making potpourri last longer.
FAQ: The Best Herbs & Flowers for Dried Potpourri
1. What is the best way to preserve the scent of dried herbs and flowers? Dry your ingredients slowly in a dark, well-ventilated space to retain natural oils. Once dried, store them in airtight containers away from sunlight to maintain their fragrance until you’re ready to use them.
2. Can I grow potpourri ingredients in containers or indoors ?Yes. Many herbs like lavender, rosemary, mint, and lemon balm grow well in pots. Use a sunny windowsill or balcony, and choose well-draining soil to keep your plants healthy.
3. How long does homemade dried potpourri last? Most dried potpourri blends keep their scent for 1–3 months. You can refresh them by adding essential oil drops or mixing freshly dried ingredients.
4. Do I need a fixative in my potpourri? A fixative (such as orris root powder or pink Himalayan salt) helps lock in and extend the fragrance. It’s optional but recommended if you want the scent to last longer.
5. Can I use flowers and herbs from the supermarket? Ideally, grow your own or source organic, pesticide-free herbs and flowers. Supermarket varieties may contain preservatives or be sprayed with chemicals unsuitable for potpourri.
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