How to Preserve Our Eucalyptus Trees

Preserve eucalyptus by soaking or drying the stems.

Preserving eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) trees is quite common and relatively simple to do. Whether placed in a basket or arranged in a vase, the foliage from your eucalyptus trees can add beauty all around your home. With antibacterial qualities, the oil and leaves from eucalyptus are often used for medicinal purposes. The pleasant aroma of preserved eucalyptus is distinct. A whiff of eucalyptus oil on a cloth has been known to revive victims of fainting spells. Although eucalyptus comes in shrub size, some forms of the eucalyptus tree reach heights of 230 feet.

Things You'll Need

• Loppers
• Clippers
• Glycerin
• Water
• Rubber band

Instructions

1. Clip foliage from eucalyptus trees around midday during the peak of the season with loppers or clippers. Choose stems or branches in top condition. Make a clean cut.

2. Mix 1 part glycerin to 1 part water in a container. Insert the cut end of the eucalyptus stems or branches into the container. Soak the stems in the glycerin-water mix for at least two weeks and up to three weeks in a dimly lit room.

3. Gather eucalyptus stems in a bundle. Clasp together with a rubber band. Place the stems in a dry and dark room with plenty of ventilation. Hang the stems upside down in the space for two to three weeks to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do both the soaking and drying process, in that order, to prevent the eucalyptus leaves from becoming too brittle.

References

• Australiaplants.com: Windmill Outback Nursery: Guide to Growing Eucalyptus
• DatSplat.com: How to Dry Eucalyptus
• University of Florida IFAS Extension; Drying and Preserving Plant Materials; Patricia White, et al.
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Eucalyptus

Resources

• California Exotic Pest Plant Council; Eucalyptus Removal on Angel Island; David Boyd