We’ve long been obsessed with eucalyptus here at Wildly Native Flower Farm, and in Episode 84 of The Flower Files, we finally gave this powerhouse plant the spotlight it deserves.
Whether you’ve tucked it into a bouquet, hung it in your shower, or just breathed in that fresh, clean scent, eucalyptus is one of those plants that blends beauty, resilience, and wellness. In this episode, we unpack its fascinating history, how we grow it on the farm, and the design magic it brings to every stem and space.
A Plant with Deep Roots and Global Reach
Did you know eucalyptus has been around for tens of millions of years? Native to Australia, there are over 700 species, many of which were used by Aboriginal Australians for medicine, tools, and spiritual practices.
When British settlers brought eucalyptus to Europe in the 1700s, it quickly became a global traveler. From draining swamps in Italy to providing healing oils in South America, eucalyptus spread fast—and now, it’s right at home in modern design studios and backyard gardens alike.
We even grow it ourselves—over 300 feet of it—and we’ve watched it thrive season after season here on the farm.
Why We Love It in Floral Design
Eucalyptus is hands-down one of our favorite greenery staples. It offers:
- A soft, romantic drape
- Long-lasting stems (even out of water!)
- That signature silvery-green tone that complements any color palette
And when it dries? Still gorgeous.
From bouquets and arch installations to table runners, eucalyptus can hold up through long wedding days and hot summer setups—as long as you choose the right variety.
Whether fresh or dried, eucalyptus brings structure, movement, and texture. It’s no wonder clients ask us for it by name.
Beyond Bouquets: Eucalyptus for Wellness and Home
Florals aren’t the only reason we adore eucalyptus. Its essential oils are used for:
- Decongestion (hello, shower steamers!)
- Stress relief and relaxation
- Natural cleaning sprays
- Insect repellents
It’s also one of the few plants that deer seem to leave alone—at least until the dead of winter when options are scarce. That kind of resilience? We’ll take it.
And if you’ve ever bundled eucalyptus in your shower, you know it transforms an ordinary rinse into a spa-like escape. Just one more reason we grow—and gift—so much of it.
Yes, You Can Grow Eucalyptus (And Here’s How)
We grow eucalyptus right here on the farm, and let us tell you—it’s easier than you think.
Here’s how we get started:
How to Grow From Seed:
- Start 12 weeks before your last frost
- Seeds are tiny—sprinkle on top of soil, don’t cover
- Keep the soil moist and warm for 14–21 days (sometimes longer)
- Transplant once seedlings are 3–4 inches tall and the risk of frost is gone
Growing Tips:
- Loves full sun and well-drained soil
- Incredibly drought tolerant once established
- Prune early and often to encourage bushy, usable stems
- Give it room to stretch—it can get tall fast
Some varieties overwinter beautifully (ours does until that first deep freeze), while others are best treated as annuals. Just keep in mind—older, woodier plants don’t love being cut back too hard, so prune with care.
Our Favorite Eucalyptus Varieties (And Why We Use Them)
We grow and use a wide variety of eucalyptus, and each one brings its own vibe. Here are some of our go-to favorites:
Silver Dollar
The classic round leaves with a silvery tone. Perfect for bouquets, tablescapes, and hanging installations. Dried, it keeps its color and texture beautifully.
Seeded Eucalyptus
Oval leaves and soft seed pods give this variety an airy, boho vibe. A favorite for rustic or romantic arrangements.
Baby Blue
Tight spirals of silvery blue leaves. It’s wonderfully aromatic and ideal for wreaths and shower bundles. Very oily—be ready for sticky hands!
Willow Eucalyptus
Long, narrow leaves with graceful movement and a gentler scent. Perfect for garlands and hanging designs.
Silver Drop
Bushy and container-friendly—ideal for home gardeners. Produces tons of cuttable stems. Just note: this one wilts quickly out of water.
Lemon-Scented
Tall, elegant, and intensely fragrant—like lemon balm meets eucalyptus. Great for oils, natural mosquito repellent, or just wow-factor in the garden.
Parvifolia
Delicate foliage with a romantic flair, and more cold-tolerant than many varieties. Dries beautifully.
Each has its strengths, and together they give us options for fresh cuts, dried bundles, wellness products, and floral design that truly stands out.
From Shower Steamers to Centerpieces, Eucalyptus Does It All!
If you’re still wondering whether to plant eucalyptus, here’s our advice:
Just do it.
Start small with Silver Dollar, Baby Blue, or Silver Drop. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes one of your favorite plants to grow, cut, and design with. The scent alone is worth it, but the stems? Chef’s kiss.
We love sharing eucalyptus with friends, tucking it into bouquets, and yes—even keeping extra bundles on hand for the shower. It’s one of those plants that just makes life a little more beautiful.
Want to See How We Grow It?
We share photos, growing tips on Instagram! Head to @wildlynativeflowerfarm to see how we harvest and use it around the farm!
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into one of our most-loved plants. If today’s episode left you inspired to plant, prune, or hang some eucalyptus in your own shower—mission accomplished.
Until next time, keep growing, keep creating, and keep finding joy in the little things—even in the leaves.
