
How to Make a Lavender Wreath: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a lavender wreath is simple: gather fresh or dried lavender, attach stems to a wire wreath frame using floral ties, and hang in a dry place to preserve its color and fragrance.
Why Make a Lavender Wreath?
Lavender wreaths are more than just decorative items—they bring natural beauty, calming scent, and timeless charm to homes. Known for their aromatic properties and insect-repelling benefits, lavender wreaths also serve as natural air fresheners and thoughtful handmade gifts.
- Adds rustic elegance to front doors or indoor walls
- Naturally repels moths and mosquitoes
- Promotes relaxation with its soothing scent
- Eco-friendly alternative to synthetic decorations
- Can last up to 2 years when properly dried and stored
Materials Needed for a DIY Lavender Wreath
Essential Tools and Supplies
To make a professional-quality lavender wreath at home, you’ll need the following items:
- Wire wreath frame (6–12 inches in diameter)
- Fresh or dried lavender bunches (about 50–100 stems)
- Floral wire or zip ties (green or neutral color)
- Wire cutters or scissors
- Ribbon (optional, for hanging or decoration)
- Drying rack or hook (if using fresh lavender)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Lavender Wreath
Step 1: Harvest or Source Lavender
For best results, harvest lavender in the morning after dew evaporates but before peak sun. Choose varieties like Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula x intermedia, which hold scent and shape well. If not growing your own, purchase high-quality dried lavender from trusted suppliers.
Step 2: Dry the Lavender (If Using Fresh)
Bunch 5–10 stems together and tie at the base. Hang upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated room for 7–14 days. Avoid direct sunlight to preserve essential oils and color.
Step 3: Attach Lavender to the Frame
Starting at one side of the wire frame, place a small bundle of lavender against the ring. Secure it tightly with floral wire or a zip tie wrapped around both stems and frame. Overlap each new bundle over the previous one’s stems to conceal attachments.
Step 4: Continue Until Frame Is Covered
Work your way around the circle, adding bundles and securing them every 1–2 inches. Ensure consistent density and full coverage. Trim excess stem length if needed.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Attach a ribbon loop for hanging. Optional embellishments include eucalyptus, rosemary, or dried flowers for contrast.
Caring for Your Lavender Wreath
Proper care ensures longevity and sustained fragrance. Follow these tips:
- Display indoors away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Avoid high-humidity areas like bathrooms
- Dust gently with a soft brush or blow dryer on cool setting
- Refresh scent by lightly misting with lavender essential oil (1–2 drops per spray)
- Store flat in a breathable container during off-seasons
Best Lavender Varieties for Wreaths
Not all lavender types are ideal for wreaths. Some retain color and fragrance better than others. Below is a comparison of top-performing cultivars.
| Variety | Fragrance Strength | Drying Retention | Color Retention | Stem Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' | Strong | Excellent | Good | 12–18 |
| Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' | Very Strong | Excellent | Excellent | 10–16 |
| Lavandula x intermedia 'Provence' | Strong | Good | Fair | 18–24 |
| Lavandula stoechas 'Anouk' | Moderate | Fair | Poor | 8–12 |
The table shows that Hidcote and Munstead offer the best balance of fragrance, durability, and appearance after drying. Provence, while tall and high-yielding, fades faster in color. Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) is less suitable due to poor drying performance.
Tips for Long-Lasting Fragrance and Appearance
- Use only mold-free, fully dried lavender
- Apply a light coat of hairspray to blooms to reduce shedding (test first)
- Rotate wreath monthly to ensure even light exposure
- Store with cedar blocks to deter pests without overpowering scent
- Rehydrate slightly brittle stems with short exposure to humid air
Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Wreaths
How long does a homemade lavender wreath last?
A well-made lavender wreath can last 1 to 2 years when kept indoors away from sunlight and moisture. Over time, it may fade in color and lose some fragrance, but can be refreshed with a few drops of essential oil.
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
You can use fresh lavender, but it will shrink and shed as it dries on the frame, potentially leading to gaps. For best results, pre-dry lavender before attaching it to maintain shape and density.
How do I prevent my lavender wreath from losing its scent?
To preserve fragrance, store the wreath in a sealed cotton bag when not in use. Avoid kitchens or near stoves where heat accelerates oil evaporation. Re-scent every few months with pure lavender essential oil.
What size wreath frame should I use?
A 10–12 inch frame is ideal for most door displays. Smaller frames (6–8 inches) work well for indoor accents or gifts. Larger frames (14+ inches) require more lavender and structural support.
Are lavender wreaths safe for pets?
Lavender contains linalool, which can be toxic to cats and dogs in large amounts. While the concentration in dried wreaths is low, it's best to hang them out of reach of curious pets, especially those prone to chewing.









