If your garden is overflowing with roses, don’t let those lovely petals go to waste! Learn how to make the most of them with these 12 beautiful and practical ways to use rose petals at home. From rosewater and herbal tea to luxurious bath soaks and charming crafts, these ideas will help you turn your rose garden into a source of natural wellness, creativity, and joy.
There’s something timeless and magical about roses. Whether you grow them in a cottage garden or gather petals from a fragrant bouquet, they have a way of bringing beauty, comfort, and a little bit of romance into everyday life. But beyond their charm and scent, rose petals are incredibly versatile—and surprisingly useful.
Instead of letting those soft, delicate petals fade away, why not turn them into something beautiful and practical? From soothing teas and skin-loving rosewater to handmade crafts and calming bath soaks, there are so many ways to use rose petals in your home, garden, and self-care routine.
In this post, I’ll share 12 of my favorite creative uses for rose petals—each one simple, natural, and inspired by the joy of living close to the earth. Whether you’re a homesteader, herbalist, or simply someone who loves beautiful things, these ideas will help you turn your garden’s blooms into everyday treasures.
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1. Make Rosewater
Rosewater is a gentle and fragrant toner for your skin or a lovely linen spray. Simmer fresh petals in distilled water, strain, and store in a glass jar.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh rose petals.
- 2 ½ cups distilled water.
Instructions:
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Combine rose petals and distilled water in a saucepan.
- Simmer over low heat until petals are faded, about 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a jar and let it cool.
2. Brew Rose Petal Herbal Tea
Dried petals make a soothing herbal tea with a light floral flavor. It’s especially nice with a touch of honey or blended with mint or chamomile.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals.
- 1 cup hot water.
- Honey (optional).
Instructions:
- Strain the tea and sweeten with honey, if desired.
- Place rose petals in a teacup or mug.
- Pour hot water over the petals.
- Cover and steep for 5–10 minutes.
3. Create a Relaxing Bath Soak
Mix dried petals with Epsom salt and a few drops of essential oil for a luxurious bath soak. It’s calming, skin-softening, and easy to store.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dried rose petals.
- 1 cup Epsom salt.
- 10 drops essential oil (optional).
Instructions:
- Combine rose petals, Epsom salt, and essential oil in a bowl.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Add the desired amount to warm bathwater.
4. Infuse Rose Petals in Oil
Infused rose oil can be used in massage oils, salves, or lip balms. Place dried petals in a jar, cover with a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba, and let sit for 2–4 weeks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried rose petals.
- 1 cup carrier oil (such as sweet almond, jojoba, or olive oil).
- Optional: 5–10 drops rose essential oil (for added fragrance).
Instructions:
- Place the dried rose petals in a clean, dry glass jar.
- Pour the carrier oil over the petals until fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny windowsill for 2–4 weeks, shaking gently every day.
- After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean glass bottle.
- Store in a cool, dark place. Use within 6–12 months.
How to Use:
- As a nourishing body or face oil.
- In homemade salves, balms, or scrubs.
- As a romantic massage oil or natural perfume base.
5. Make Rose Petal Lip Balm
Melt beeswax and coconut oil together, then stir in rose-infused oil and pour into small tins. It’s a sweet and nourishing balm for dry lips.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil.
- 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets.
- 1 tablespoon rose-infused oil (or use more coconut oil if not available).
- Optional: 3–5 drops rose essential oil.
- Optional: ⅛ teaspoon beetroot powder for natural tint.
Instructions:
- In a double boiler (or heat-safe bowl over simmering water), melt the coconut oil and beeswax together.
- Once melted, stir in the rose-infused oil and optional rose essential oil or beetroot powder.
- Carefully pour the mixture into small lip balm tins or tubes.
- Let cool and solidify completely before capping.
- Store in a cool place and use within 6 months.
How to Use:
Apply as needed to soothe dry lips with a hint of floral goodness!
6. Craft Rose Potpourri
Combine dried rose petals with lavender, citrus peel, and a few drops of essential oil. Store in bowls or sachets to freshen rooms and drawers naturally.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried rose petals.
- ½ cup dried lavender, citrus peel, or other favorite botanicals.
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves or cinnamon sticks (optional for scent).
- 10–15 drops essential oil (rose, lavender, or citrus work well).
- 1 tablespoon fixative (such as crushed orris root or a few teaspoons of salt).
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, gently mix together the dried rose petals, herbs, spices, and fixative.
- Add the essential oil drops and stir well to evenly distribute.
- Let the mixture sit uncovered in a cool, dry place for 24–48 hours to allow the fragrance to meld.
- Transfer to decorative bowls, muslin sachets, or glass jars for use or gifting.
- Refresh with a few drops of essential oil as needed over time.
How to Use:
- Place in open dishes to scent a room.
- Tuck into drawers or linen closets.
- Gift in sachets as a natural, handmade gift.
7. Decorate Candles or Soap
Pressed or dried petals can be embedded into handmade candles or melt-and-pour soap for a romantic, old-fashioned touch.
ROSE PETAL SOAP (Melt & Pour Method)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb melt-and-pour soap base (goat milk, glycerin, or shea butter).
- ¼ cup dried rose petals (crushed or whole).
- 10–15 drops rose essential oil (or blend with lavender or geranium).
- Silicone soap molds.
Instructions:
- Cut the soap base into small chunks and melt it in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently.
- Once melted, stir in essential oil and a small handful of rose petals.
- Pour into soap molds and sprinkle a few rose petals on top if desired.
- Let cool and harden for 1–2 hours before removing from molds.
- Wrap in parchment or store in an airtight container.
Tips: Avoid adding too many petals to prevent molding. Use only completely dried petals.
ROSE PETAL CANDLES (Jar Candle Method)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup soy or beeswax pellets.
- 1 wick (pre-tabbed).
- 10–15 drops rose essential oil.
- 1–2 tablespoons dried rose petals.
- Glass jar or tin.
- Optional: wick holder or pencil.
Instructions:
- Place the wick in the center of your jar and secure it upright using a wick holder or pencil.
- Melt the wax in a double boiler or microwave until fully liquid.
- Stir in rose essential oil and a few rose petals (avoid overloading).
- Pour the wax into your jar, leaving a bit of space at the top.
- Let the candle cool and harden completely (4–6 hours). Trim the wick before use.
Tips: For visual appeal, sprinkle a few dried petals on the surface just before the wax fully sets.
8. Make Rose Petal Jelly
Use food-safe rose petals to make a delicate jelly. It pairs beautifully with scones or toast and makes a charming homemade gift.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups fresh, organic rose petals (preferably fragrant heirloom or Damask roses).
- 1 ½ cups boiling water.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh).
- 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin.
- 2 ½ cups sugar.
Instructions:
- Steep the petals: Place rose petals in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Let steep for 30–45 minutes to draw out the color and flavor. The liquid will be tinted from pale pink to deep rose depending on your petals.
- Strain: Strain the liquid into a saucepan, pressing gently on the petals to extract all the goodness. Discard the petals.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice—watch the color brighten!
- Stir in pectin: Sprinkle in the powdered pectin and stir well.
- Bring to a boil: Place over high heat and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
- Add sugar: Add the sugar all at once, stir to dissolve, and return to a full boil. Boil hard for 1–2 minutes.
- Jar it: Remove from heat and ladle into sterilized jars, leaving ¼” headspace. Wipe rims, seal with lids, and process in a hot water bath for 5 minutes.
- Cool and label: Let jars cool undisturbed. You’ll hear the lids pop as they seal!
How to Use:
- Spread on scones, toast, or biscuits.
- Add to thumbprint cookies.
- Gift with a ribbon and tag for a charming garden-to-kitchen present.
9. Create a Floral Facial Steam
Add dried rose petals, chamomile, and calendula to a bowl of hot water. Drape a towel over your head and enjoy a skin-soothing herbal facial steam.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dried rose petals.
- ¼ cup dried chamomile (or calendula, lavender, or mint).
- 4–6 cups hot water.
- Optional: a drop or two of rose or lavender essential oil.
- Large heatproof bowl.
- Towel.
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil, then pour it into a large heatproof bowl.
- Add dried rose petals and other herbs to the bowl. Stir gently.
- (Optional) Add a drop or two of essential oil for added benefits and aroma.
- Lean over the bowl, keeping your face about 10–12 inches away, and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam.
- Breathe deeply and relax for 5–10 minutes, keeping your eyes closed.
- Pat your face dry and follow with a gentle moisturizer or rosewater toner.
Benefits:
- Opens pores and softens skin.
- Calms redness and irritation.
- Relieves stress with soothing floral aromatherapy.
Tip: Do this once a week for glowing skin and a calming ritual that brings your garden into your self-care routine.
10. Press Petals for Crafts
Pressed rose petals are beautiful in wreaths, bookmarks, greeting cards, handmade paper, and even framed art. Simply place them in a book with parchment paper for a couple of weeks.
11. Add to Natural Confetti or Wedding Decor
Use dried petals as biodegradable wedding confetti or table decor for rustic, romantic events.
12. Make a DIY Rose & Mint Foot Soak
Combine dried rose petals, dried mint, and Epsom salt for a refreshing foot soak. It’s ideal for relaxing after a long day working in the garden.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup dried rose petals.
- ¼ cup dried mint or lavender (optional, for extra refreshment).
- 1 cup Epsom salt.
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (softens skin).
- 5–10 drops essential oil (rose, peppermint, or tea tree).
- Large basin or foot bath.
- Warm water.
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oil. Stir in the dried rose petals and optional herbs.
- Fill a basin with warm water and pour in your foot soak mixture.
- Swirl to dissolve, then soak your feet for 15–20 minutes.
- Dry gently and follow with a nourishing foot cream or rose oil.
Benefits:
- Soothes tired, achy feet.
- Softens rough skin and heels.
- Promotes relaxation and a spa-like experience right at home.
Tip: Use this foot soak as part of your evening wind-down or after a long day in the garden!
Conclusion
Roses are more than just garden showstoppers—they’re a gift that keeps on giving! Whether you’re crafting, pampering, or preserving, rose petals add a touch of old-fashioned beauty to everyday life. Try one or more of these ideas to get the most from your blooms, and let your garden inspire your creativity and self-care.
Resources: Here are some more resources for you to check out!
- What to Do with Your Rose Petals: 10 Ideas – By Bloom & Wild
- Uses for Rose Petals – By Grow Create Sip
- The Many Uses of Rose Petals – By Jenn Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any rose petals for these ideas?
Only use petals from organically grown roses—free from pesticides or sprays. Store-bought roses are often treated and not safe for consumption or skin contact.
2. How do I dry rose petals for future use?
Spread petals in a single layer on a mesh screen or paper towel and leave them in a dry, well-ventilated area for about a week. You can also use a dehydrator on low heat.
3. How long does homemade rosewater last?
If stored in the refrigerator, it can last up to two weeks. If you add a preservative like witch hazel or vodka, it may last longer.
4. Are rose petals edible?
Yes, as long as they’re from food-safe varieties and haven’t been sprayed. Common edible types include Damask and heirloom varieties.
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to grow flowers in your garden with these tips and products.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
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Here are some more of my gardening inspiration posts to check out!
How to Grow and Care for Tiger Lilies
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Dream Flower Garden!
The Best Perennial Flowers for a Low-Maintenance Garden!
How to Design a Cottage Garden: Growing a Beautiful Mess
Roses: How to Grow and Care for Roses
Hollyhocks: How to Grow and Care for Hollyhocks
Tulips: How to Grow and Care for Tulips
PeeGee Hydrangea Trees: How to Grow and Care for a PeeGee Hydrangea Tree
Bearded Irises: How to Grow and Care for Bearded Irises
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
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