Birthday
HydrangeasIn just a few years, eucalyptus has become one of the most popular foliage stems in floristry. Its blue-grey leaves add volume, lightness and a fresh scent to a bouquet, and it lasts longer in a vase than most flowers. Here are the types of eucalyptus florists use, what to pair it with and how to care for the stems and for a potted plant.
What eucalyptus is
Eucalyptus is an evergreen tree or shrub of the myrtle family, native to Australia and nearby islands. The genus has more than 700 species, including some of the tallest flowering trees on Earth. The name comes from the Greek eu ("well") and kalyptos ("covered"), describing the cap that covers the flower bud until it opens.
In many species, young and adult leaves look different: on young shoots they are round, blue-grey and coin-like, while on mature trees they are long and sickle-shaped. Florists especially value the round juvenile foliage.
Eucalyptus in bouquets
Eucalyptus stems make an arrangement airy and full and soften bright colours. It looks especially lovely with delicate pastel flowers — garden roses, hydrangeas, peonies, ranunculus and lisianthus — as well as white roses and cotton. For an unusual accent, florists combine it with succulents and dried flowers.
Eucalyptus in wedding floristry and décor
Eucalyptus suits almost any wedding style — boho, rustic, Provençal, Greek or minimalist. It is used for table and arch garlands and added to bridal bouquets, buttonholes and wreaths. The stems hold their shape and don't wilt during the celebration.
At home, eucalyptus works in interiors too: a few stems in a tall vase, a door wreath or a bunch in the bathroom, where steam releases its scent.
How to make eucalyptus stems last
- Recut the stems with sharp secateurs and place them in clean, cool water.
- Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
- Change the water every 2–3 days. In good conditions fresh eucalyptus lasts 2–3 weeks.
- To dry eucalyptus, hang the stems upside down somewhere dry and dark for 1–2 weeks — it will keep its shape and some of its scent.
Eucalyptus as a houseplant
You can grow eucalyptus in a pot from seed or buy a young plant. It needs the brightest window (south- or west-facing), regular watering without waterlogging and a cool winter at 10–16 °C. It grows fast, so pinch out the tips for a compact bush with round leaves. In summer the pot can go out onto a balcony or terrace. Some species, such as cider gum (Eucalyptus gunnii), tolerate light frosts, but in Ukraine they are usually grown in containers.
Important: eucalyptus leaves and essential oil are toxic to cats and dogs, and the oil is dangerous if swallowed, especially by children. Don't use eucalyptus for self-treatment — enjoy it for its beauty and scent.
FAQ
How long does eucalyptus last in a vase?
Fresh stems last 2–3 weeks, and dried eucalyptus keeps its looks for months.
What flowers go with eucalyptus?
Garden roses, hydrangeas, peonies, ranunculus, lisianthus and white flowers.
Order a bouquet with eucalyptus — for example, with hydrangeas — with UFL delivery in Kyiv.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
