Eucalyptus is florists’ favourite greenery. Its silvery blue leaves make a bouquet feel light, and its fresh scent reminds you of it every time you walk past the vase. Eucalyptus lasts a long time in water, dries beautifully and goes with almost any flower – from roses to proteas.
In this guide: which eucalyptus types you will find in bouquets, how to care for them in a vase, how to dry them and why people hang eucalyptus in the shower.
What eucalyptus is
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) is a genus of trees and shrubs in the myrtle family. There are more than 700 species, and almost all of them come from Australia. The leaves are rich in essential oils, which is why eucalyptus smells the way it does, and their bluish tint comes from a waxy coating. Eucalyptus for floristry is grown on plantations in warmer countries such as Italy, Spain or Portugal.
Eucalyptus types in bouquets
Florists usually call eucalyptus by its species or trade name. The most common ones are:
- Cinerea (Silver Dollar) – round, coin-like silvery leaves. The classic bouquet eucalyptus.
- Gunnii – small, round bluish leaves. Hardy and often used in wreaths.
- Baby Blue – small round leaves densely packed on a stiff stem. Keeps its shape when dried.
- Parvifolia – small, pointed green leaves that make a bouquet look airy.
- Nicholii – long, narrow, willow-like leaves on drooping stems.
- Populus – round leaves with berry-like clusters of seed pods; a great textural accent.
Eucalyptus plays two roles in a bouquet: small-leaved types fill the gaps between blooms, while large-leaved types build shape and volume.
How long eucalyptus lasts in a vase
Fresh eucalyptus looks good in a vase for 2–3 weeks – often longer than the flowers it was tied with. When the blooms fade, keep the eucalyptus stems in the vase on their own: they will slowly dry and stay decorative.
How to care for eucalyptus in a vase
- Strip off any leaves that would sit below the waterline – the water will stay clean for longer.
- Trim 2–3 cm off the stems at an angle with sharp secateurs. Don’t crush woody stems – a clean cut is enough.
- Place in cool water and change it every 2–3 days, trimming the stems a little each time.
- Keep the vase away from radiators and direct sunlight – heat makes the leaves dry out faster.
We have collected the general rules of cut flower care in How to make cut flowers last longer.
How to dry eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is one of the easiest plants to dry: the leaves keep their shape and just turn slightly paler and greyer. Choose one of three methods:
- In a vase. Leave the stems in a vase with a little water and let it evaporate. In 1–2 weeks the eucalyptus will dry standing up.
- Hanging. Gather small bunches, secure them with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, ventilated place for 1–2 weeks.
- With glycerine. Mix 1 part glycerine with 2 parts warm water and stand fresh stems in it. Over 2–3 weeks the solution replaces the sap: the leaves stay soft and supple, only darker.
Gypsophila and hydrangeas also dry beautifully – see how in our gypsophila and hydrangea guides.
Eucalyptus in the shower
In recent years, hanging a bundle of eucalyptus in the shower has become popular. Hot steam releases the essential oils in the leaves, and the bathroom fills with a fresh scent.
- Take 3–6 fresh eucalyptus stems and strip the lower leaves.
- Tie the stems with twine or a rubber band.
- Hang the bundle by the shower head or on a hook where the direct stream of water won’t reach it.
- Replace it every 2–3 weeks, when the scent fades or the leaves turn brown.
If you are sensitive to strong scents, start with a smaller bundle.
Is eucalyptus dangerous for pets
Yes. According to the animal welfare organisation ASPCA, eucalyptus is toxic to cats, dogs and horses: eating it can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness. If you have a curious cat, keep eucalyptus out of its reach, and if you suspect poisoning, contact a vet.
What eucalyptus pairs with in a bouquet
Eucalyptus goes with almost any flower, but looks best with:
- roses and lisianthus – in romantic, light bouquets;
- gypsophila – in bridal bouquets and wedding decor;
- proteas, banksias and anthuriums – in exotic arrangements;
- carnations and chrysanthemums – in long-lasting everyday bouquets;
- fir branches and pine cones – in winter wreaths such as the Advent wreath.
Bouquets with eucalyptus
We put eucalyptus in many of our bouquets – you will find them all in the bouquets with eucalyptus category. If you would like eucalyptus stems on their own or with another bouquet, choose additional greenery.
Additional greeneryA few eucalyptus stems with any bouquet or on their own in a vase: a fresh scent, lasts for weeks and stays decorative once dried.€10View the bouquet →
Frequently asked questions about eucalyptus
How long does eucalyptus last in a vase?
Fresh eucalyptus lasts 2–3 weeks if you change the water and keep the vase away from heaters. Then it dries and stays decorative.
How do I dry eucalyptus?
The easiest way is to let the water in the vase evaporate, or to hang a bunch upside down in a dry, dark place for 1–2 weeks. In a glycerine solution the leaves stay soft.
Is eucalyptus poisonous to cats?
Yes. Eaten eucalyptus can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and weakness in cats and dogs, so keep it out of pets’ reach.
Why do people hang eucalyptus in the shower?
For the scent: hot steam releases the essential oils and the bathroom smells fresh. Replace the bundle every 2–3 weeks.
Which eucalyptus is best for bouquets?
The most common is cinerea (Silver Dollar) with round silvery leaves. Small-leaved types such as parvifolia make a bouquet look airy.
Can I order just eucalyptus stems?
Yes, you can order eucalyptus and other greenery as additional greenery with a bouquet or on its own.
