Hi Karen. I've had best results with Nandina and Pyracantha berries. Some tiny Crabapples (not sure of variety as not growing in my yard). The only thing I do is lay them on wire racks or if on long branches remove leaves and stand stem in vase (no water). Probably best dried in cool dark place but mine do fine just at room temp/light.

Other color berries that dry well are the silvery Bayberry, unripe Blueberries while still green/pink, the early Nandina berries in green or later coppery stage, white Chinaberries, and the white seedpods of the Popcorn tree. I've even dried the green seedpods of the Pokeberry plant..just for fun and because it has deep red stems.

When selecting berries, try smushing a few to be sure they're firm and not overripe. There is one Viburnum at least that works...but again it wasn't in my garden so don't know variety. Just a matter of trial and error sometimes...half the fun to me. Sorry, I've not much experience with rosebuds...mine too turned dark and unattractive. Good luck. josh

P.S. There's a Dried Flowers Forum too that you might enjoy and get good info on your rosebud drying. j

Thanks very much for the advice, Josh. I have been experimenting with various berries and tried waxing them too. I am new at this - sure is fun.

I've also had good luck with the berries from Virginia Creeper & Snowberry. The virginia creeper has deep blue colored berries on bright red stems & the snow berries are white. Both are lovely in Christmas Wreaths.