Drying Eucalyptus is a must! These make long lasting arrangements, and the aroma is quite crisp and fresh. Although the easiest method involves simply hanging them, and air drying, the results are not quite as satisfactory as the glycerin method.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To dry them, simply gather up a group of stems and hang upside down in a well-ventilated, dry and dark space. An attic or basement, but be sure that there is no dampness or humidity as that will encourage mold. Tie the Eucalyptus stems with a rubber band, and give it about 2 to 3 weeks. You will end up with a nice bunch of dried Eucalyptus, but they will be brittle and dry to the touch.

Another method used by commercial growers and florists is to use glycerin. Simply add one part glycerin to two parts boiling water. Place the liquid in a vase, and then insert the fresh cut Eucalyptus stems. The stems will soak up the mixture, and basically gives the branches, stems and leaves more flexibility. They will not be as dry and brittle. In addition, this method seems to bring out a nice blue-green color in the leaves.