Eucalyptus has become one of the most sought-after botanicals in hospitality spaces and floristry studios. With its silvery-green foliage, gentle scent and architectural form, it brings a natural elegance to any setting.
Dried and preserved eucalyptus remains one of the best-selling botanicals; with its classic shape, colour and style, it is the epitome of botanical decoration.
Many people ask whether eucalyptus can be dried at home and how the results compare with professionally preserved stems.
This guide walks you through the techniques florists use to dry and preserve eucalyptus, helping you achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.
We’ll also explore when it makes sense to opt for preserved eucalyptus instead, particularly if you’re styling commercial spaces or creating installations that need to look flawless for months on end.
What Type of Eucalyptus Should I Choose for Drying?
Not all eucalyptus varieties behave the same way once dried. Some hold their colour beautifully, whilst others can darken or become brittle more quickly. Understanding these differences helps you select the right stems for your project.
Eucalyptus cinerea (Silver Dollar) is one of the most popular choices. Its round, blue-grey leaves dry evenly and retain much of their original colour. It works particularly well for wreaths, bouquets and home styling.
Eucalyptus parvifolia (Small Leaf) has delicate, slender foliage that dries quickly and holds its structure well. It’s a favourite for bridal work and styling in narrow vases or alongside other dried botanicals.
Eucalyptus populus offers larger, heart-shaped leaves that create a softer, more romantic look. It can be slightly more prone to curling as it dries, but when treated carefully, it produces stunning results.
When selecting fresh eucalyptus for drying, look for stems that are healthy and free from damage. Avoid foliage that’s already wilting or showing brown spots, as these imperfections will become more pronounced once dried.
Ideally, harvest or purchase stems in the morning when moisture levels are balanced, and choose younger growth where possible; it tends to dry more gracefully than older, woody stems.
If you’re deciding between varieties for your project, our guide on choosing preserved eucalyptus offers a helpful starting point.
How Do I Air-Dry Eucalyptus at Home?
Air-drying is the simplest and most accessible way to preserve eucalyptus at home. It requires no special equipment and, when done correctly, produces beautifully textured stems that retain much of their natural character.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare your stems. Remove any damaged or discoloured leaves, and trim the bottom of each stem at an angle to allow for better air circulation.
- Gather into small bundles. Group three to five stems together and secure them with a string, twine or an elastic band. Avoid making bundles too thick, as this can trap moisture and lead to mould.
- Hang upside down. Suspend your bundles in a cool, dry, dark space with good air circulation. Avoid direct sunlight, which can bleach the foliage, and steer clear of damp areas like bathrooms or basements.
- Wait patiently. In the UK’s climate, eucalyptus typically takes two to three weeks to dry fully. You’ll know it’s ready when the leaves feel papery to the touch and the stems are firm and no longer pliable.
- Store or style immediately. Once dried, eucalyptus can be displayed straight away or stored flat in a dry place until you’re ready to use it.
Ideal conditions matter. Homes can be quite humid, particularly in autumn and winter. If you’re drying eucalyptus during these months, consider using a dehumidifier or placing stems near a radiator (but not directly on it) to speed the process and reduce the risk of mould.
Pros:
- Straightforward and low-cost
- Preserves natural texture
- No special equipment needed
Cons:
- Leaves may curl slightly
- Colour can shift towards muted grey-green or brown
- Takes 2–3 weeks
For more general advice on drying botanicals and flowers, our guide on how to dry flowers at home covers techniques that work for both flowers and foliage.
How Do I Preserve Eucalyptus With Glycerin?
Glycerin preservation is the method florists and interior designers turn to when they need eucalyptus that remains supple, retains its colour and lasts significantly longer than air-dried stems. It’s a slightly more involved process, but the results are well worth the effort.
Why Florists Use This Method
Glycerin replaces the water in the plant’s cells, keeping the leaves soft and pliable. This makes preserved eucalyptus ideal for arrangements that will be handled frequently, such as wedding bouquets or installations that need to be transported and styled on-site.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh eucalyptus stems
- Vegetable glycerin (available from pharmacies or online)
- Water
- A tall container or vase
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare your solution. Mix one part glycerin with two parts warm water. Stir thoroughly until the glycerin is fully dissolved.
- Trim your stems. Cut the base of each eucalyptus stem at a sharp angle and remove the lower leaves so that at least 10–15 cm of bare stem will sit in the solution.
- Place stems in the solution. Stand your eucalyptus upright in the container, ensuring the stems are submerged in at least 7–10 cm of liquid.
- Monitor and top up. Over the next two to three weeks, the eucalyptus will gradually absorb the glycerin. Check the level regularly and top up as needed. You’ll notice the leaves beginning to change texture and often developing a slightly darker, richer hue.
- Remove and dry. Once the leaves feel soft and slightly oily to the touch, remove the stems and hang them upside down for a few days to allow any excess glycerin to drain.
How This Affects the Eucalyptus
Glycerin-preserved eucalyptus tends to darken slightly compared to air-dried stems. Cinerea often shifts from silvery-blue to a deeper sage or olive green, whilst parvifolia may take on warmer, brown-tinged tones.
The scent becomes subtler but doesn’t disappear entirely. Most notably, the foliage remains flexible, making it far easier to work with in structured arrangements.
Best Varieties for Glycerin Preservation
Cinerea and parvifolia respond particularly well to glycerin. Populus can also be preserved this way, though its larger leaves may take slightly longer to absorb the solution.
Safety and Disposal
Glycerin is non-toxic, but the preserved stems should not be ingested. When disposing of leftover solution, dilute it with plenty of water before pouring it down the drain, or use it to water non-edible plants.
The Difference Between Air-Dried and Glycerin-Preserved Eucalyptus
Understanding the differences between these two methods helps you choose the right approach for your project. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Air-Dried | Glycerin-Preserved |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Crisp, papery, slightly brittle | Soft, supple, flexible |
| Flexibility | Limited, stems can snap if bent | High, stems remain pliable |
| Colour retention | Fades to muted grey-green or brown | Darkens but retains richness |
| Scent | Mild, fades over time | Subtle, lasts longer |
| Longevity | 6–12 months with care | 1–2 years or more |
| Best uses | Wreaths, static displays, vases | Bouquets, garlands, installations |
Both methods have their place. Air-drying suits decorative projects where texture and natural ageing are part of the appeal. Glycerin preservation is ideal when you need stems that can be shaped, transported or styled repeatedly without breaking.
For more on the broader differences between drying and preserving, our post on dried flowers vs preserved flowers offers useful context.
What Can I Create With Dried Eucalyptus?
Once your eucalyptus is dried or preserved, the styling possibilities are wonderfully varied. Here are some ideas drawn from our work with florists, interior designers and hospitality clients across the UK.
Tall Vases for Reception Areas
Eucalyptus’s architectural form makes it perfect for statement displays in lobbies, hotel entrances and office receptions. Arrange stems loosely in oversized ceramic or glass vases, allowing the foliage to cascade naturally. For more guidance, explore our post on the best plants for a hotel entrance.
Café and Hospitality Settings
Smaller bundles of eucalyptus in simple jars or bottles add a relaxed, natural touch to café tables and bar tops. Pair with other dried grasses or seed heads for a textured, seasonal look.
Spa and Wellness Environments
The calming scent and soft tones of eucalyptus make it a natural fit for spa treatment rooms, yoga studios and wellness centres. Style it in low bowls or hang small bunches near treatment beds to enhance the sense of tranquillity.
Wedding Floristry
Eucalyptus has become a staple in wedding floristry. Use it in bridal bouquets, buttonholes, table runners and overhead installations. Its neutral palette works beautifully with everything from romantic pastels to bold, modern colour schemes. For inspiration, see our guide on wedding décor ideas using dried flowers.
Home Design
Eucalyptus’s simplicity and muted tones align perfectly with pared-back interiors. Display single stems in slender vases, or create subtle wall hangings by tying small bundles with linen ribbon.
For further ideas on displaying eucalyptus and other botanicals, our article on how to display dried flowers offers plenty of practical inspiration.
How Do I Care for Dried Eucalyptus?
Dried and preserved eucalyptus is remarkably low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way in keeping it looking its best.
Dusting
Over time, dust will settle on the leaves. Use a soft brush, a hairdryer on a cool setting, or a microfibre cloth to gently remove buildup. Avoid using water, as this can cause discolouration or reintroduce moisture.
Light Exposure
Direct sunlight will bleach eucalyptus over time, causing it to lose its colour and become brittle. Display your stems in areas with indirect light, or rotate them occasionally if they’re near windows.
Storage
If you’re not using your eucalyptus straight away, store it in a cool, dry place away from humidity. Laying stems flat in a cardboard box lined with tissue paper helps prevent crushing and keeps them in good condition for months.
Refreshing the Scent
Whilst preserved eucalyptus retains some fragrance, you can revive it by adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the stems. Apply sparingly to avoid making the foliage oily.
For more detailed advice, our posts on how to care for dried flowers and how long do dried flowers last provide comprehensive guidance that applies equally to eucalyptus.
When Should I Buy Professionally Preserved Eucalyptus Instead?
Drying eucalyptus at home is a rewarding process, and for many projects, particularly personal styling, small arrangements and seasonal décor, it works beautifully. But there are times when professionally preserved eucalyptus makes more sense.
Consistency Matters for Commercial Spaces
Hotels, restaurants, retail stores and offices often need arrangements that look immaculate for months or even years. Professionally preserved eucalyptus offers consistent colour, texture and longevity that’s difficult to achieve at home, particularly when working with multiple batches.
Long-term Installations
If you’re creating a large-scale installation, a wedding arch, or décor that will be photographed or displayed over an extended period, preserved eucalyptus provides the reliability and flexibility you need. It won’t shed, fade or become brittle in the same way that air-dried stems might.
Time and Volume
Drying eucalyptus at home is manageable for small projects, but if you need dozens of stems for an event or commercial display, sourcing pre-preserved eucalyptus saves considerable time and effort.
At Atlas Flowers, our preserved eucalyptus is treated using commercial-grade techniques that enhance colour retention, flexibility and scent. It’s ready to use straight away, making it a practical choice for florists, stylists and interior designers working to tight deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drying Eucalyptus
How Long Does Dried Eucalyptus Last?
With proper care, air-dried eucalyptus typically lasts six to twelve months. Glycerin-preserved eucalyptus can last one to two years or longer, particularly if kept out of direct sunlight and away from moisture.
Will Dried Eucalyptus Keep Its Scent?
Yes, though it will become more subtle over time. Air-dried eucalyptus retains a gentle fragrance for several months, whilst glycerin-preserved stems tend to hold their scent slightly longer. You can refresh the aroma by adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
Why is my Eucalyptus Going Brown?
Browning is often caused by excessive moisture during the drying process, direct sunlight, or simply natural ageing. To minimise browning, ensure stems are dried in a cool, dark, well-ventilated space, and avoid displaying them in humid areas like bathrooms.
Can I Dry Eucalyptus in the Sun?
It’s not recommended. Direct sunlight causes eucalyptus to bleach and become brittle. Air-drying in a shaded, dry space produces far better results.
Can I Mix Dried Eucalyptus with Fresh Flowers?
Eucalyptus pairs beautifully with fresh blooms in vases and arrangements. Just be mindful that fresh flowers will need water, so if you’re using glycerin-preserved eucalyptus, avoid submerging the stems, as prolonged exposure to water can dilute the preservation and cause deterioration.
Does Eucalyptus Dry Well or Should I Buy Preserved?
Eucalyptus can be dried at home using air-drying or glycerin methods, and both produce beautiful results for personal projects.
However, eucalyptus doesn’t air-dry as reliably as some other botanicals; it can become brittle and lose colour without careful handling. For professional or commercial use, preserved eucalyptus offers superior flexibility, colour retention and longevity.