The Essential Guide To The Eucalyptus
Botanical Name: Corymbia spp. (formerly classified as Eucalyptus spp.)
Common Name: Eucalyptus, Gum tree, Corymbia
General Knowledge: Eucalyptus, native to Australia, is widely used for its aromatic foliage in floral arrangements and as an essential oil. It's popular in homes for its air-purifying qualities and the oil is used for its antiseptic properties. A fun fact is that koalas feast exclusively on certain species of eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most animals.
Colour Range: The eucalyptus flowers present a vibrant palette with hues ranging from cream, orange, bright red to dark crimson, and pink. The conspicuous yellow stamens offer a striking contrast.
Australian Seasonal Availability: They bloom predominantly from late November to February, with some varieties offering limited flowering throughout the year.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Eucalyptus is perfect for adding an authentic Australian touch to weddings and events, especially during the summer season when their availability is at its peak.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, they are an iconic Australian native plant and are commercially grown across the country.
Imported into Australia: Not typically imported due to their abundance and native status.
Buying Tips: Select bunches with buds beginning to show colour and with about 30% of the bud caps starting to lift. As the flowers are delicate, handle them with care to prevent damage.
Design Tips and Advice: Eucalyptus flowers, with their vivid and distinctive appearance, make an excellent focal point in arrangements. They are particularly effective in vibrant displays for events or sympathy designs where their short-lived beauty makes a memorable impact.
Flower Maturity: Choose buds that are just starting to show colour for a longer display period.
Expected Vase Life: The blooms have a short vase life of up to 5 days.
Typical Stem Length: The stems usually range between 45 to 90 cm in length.
Typical Bunch Size: Bunch sizes can vary with 2–5 stems, depending on the stem length and the volume of buds or blooms.
Floral Preservatives: Use a water solution with a registered biocide to extend the vase life.
Ethylene Sensitivity: The sensitivity to ethylene is not well-documented, but it is always prudent to keep flowers away from fruit and exhaust fumes.
Temperature Requirements: Keep at cool temperatures between 2–4 °C to slow down opening and shattering.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Avoid prolonged cold storage and ensure continuous hydration to maintain flower quality.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Store at a consistent cool temperature to maintain freshness and delay the opening of the buds.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Keep the stems hydrated in a biocide-containing solution to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the longevity of the flowers.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: While sensitivity is unknown, it is always best practice to keep flowers away from ethylene sources.
Australian Native Protections: Being a native species, Eucalyptus trees are subject to conservation regulations in Australia to ensure their preservation and prevent overharvesting.