15 Creative Ways to Use Rose Petals

Roses are one of the most beloved flowers, prized for their beauty and fragrance. While buying roses from a florist or receiving them as a gift is lovely, having access to homegrown roses opens up many possibilities for using the petals in creative ways.

From skincare to food and crafts, rose petals have a variety of uses beyond looking pretty in a vase. Here are 15 ideas to make the most of roses from your garden.

Gather and Dry Rose Petals

Start by harvesting rose petals when the flowers are in full bloom Choose petals that are vibrantly colored without brown edges or blemishes. Gently wash the petals and pat dry.

To preserve their color and fragrance for later use, air dry the petals by spreading them on a screen or baking sheet in single layers Place in a well-ventilated, shady spot for 1-2 weeks until completely dry

For a faster drying method, use a food dehydrator on the lowest setting for 4-6 hours. Check frequently and stop drying as soon as the petals are crispy. Store the dried petals in an airtight container.

Infuse Oil

Infusing oil with rose petals captures their sweet scent. Fill a jar halfway with dried petals and cover with a carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or almond oil. Cap and store for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain and now you have rose oil to add fragrance to soaps, lotions, salves, and more.

Make Potpourri

A sachet of potpourri is a classic way to keep the scent of roses lingering. Mix together dried rose petals, a few drops of rose essential oil, and complementary ingredients like vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, cloves, lavender, and orange peels. Place in small bags or bowls.

Craft Bath Products

Rose petals add beauty and skin-soothing properties to bath products. Make aromatic bath salts by blending petals with Epsom salts and essential oils. Or create fizzy bath bombs with petals sprinkled on top. Adding petal-infused oil or hydrosol makes for an extra luxurious soak.

Produce Rose Water Hydrosol

Rose water has many applications as a gentle, floral toner for skin and hair. Simmer fresh petals in water, then strain and collect the hydrosol. Or try steam distillation by suspending petals above hot water and collecting the condensation. Use within a few months and store in the fridge.

Whip Up Rose Petal Jam

Roses aren’t just nice to look at – they can be eaten too! Make a floral jam by simmering fresh petals with sugar and lemon until it thickens. Spread on scones, add a dollop to yogurt or whipped cream, or swirl into cake batter. Just be sure to use pesticide-free petals.

Craft DIY Cosmetics

From bath bombs to body butters, rose petals are right at home in homemade cosmetics. Their gentle astringent, soothing properties are ideal for sensitive skin. Infuse oil or glycerin, blend into lotion bars and sugar scrubs, or add petals directly into products.

Make Tea

Rose hips and petals can be brewed into a fragrant tea, often used to help soothe menstrual cramps, treat colds, and relieve anxiety. Steep fresh or dried petals in hot water for 4+ hours to release the full flavor and benefits. Add honey or lemon if desired. Caution: Only use pesticide-free petals.

Create Potpourri Sachets

Preserve the scent of roses and add a pop of color by making small sachets filled with dried petals. Place petals in muslin bags or fabric pouches along with spices like cinnamon, clove, and vanilla. Include lavender for a calming effect. Tuck the sachets into drawers, closets, or hang in your car.

Craft Rose Petal Vinegar

Another way to keep roses after they fade is by making rose petal vinegar. Steep petals in vinegar for 4-6 weeks, strain, and you’ll have a beautifully hued vinegar. Use it for cooking, as a hair rinse, or mixed with water as a gentle toner for skin.

Make Fragrant Jelly

My favorite way to use up rose petals is transforming them into rose petal jelly! Simmer the fresh petals into a simple syrup, then mix with pectin and lemon juice to create a sweet, floral spread. Enjoy on toast, scones, yogurt, or swirled into tea.

Create Floral Ice Cubes

Freeze leftover rose petals in ice cubes to add a novel touch to punches, lemonade, sangria, and cocktails. Use plastic molds or small paper cups. Freeze flower-filled water overnight, then pop out the frozen cubes and return to the freezer until needed.

Craft Home Decor

From wreaths to potpourri, there are endless possibilities for homemade decor using roses. Preserve the flowers’ beauty by drying them flat between sheets of parchment paper pressed in a heavy book. They’ll retain their color and shape to use in shadow boxes, wall art, and pressed flower cards.

Make Rose Beads

If you have an abundance of petals, try your hand at making rose beads. Grind dried petals into a fine powder, mix with a liquid like vodka or aloe gel, shape into beads, and allow to harden. Pierce with a skewer to string into garlands and jewelry once fully dry.

Sprinkle in Recipes

Add rose petals into a variety of recipes for visual and flavor appeal. Toss them into salads and cocktails, crystallize them with sugar to decorate cakes and puddings, blend them into lemonade or chilled soups, or mix into herbal butters. Just stick to unsprayed petals from your garden.

The options for using rose petals are nearly endless! From fragrant crafts to luxurious self-care rituals, discover new ways to enjoy the beauty and versatility of roses from your garden.