Eucalyptus leaves and branches can come fresh, dried, or preserved and there are good uses for all of them. So, what are the differences and why should you choose one kind over another?
Fresh Eucalyptus is usually bought at fresh flower stores and has the most scent but will quickly dry up. It will become brittle and lose its scent in one to two weeks. The color is the most natural at first, but will fade and turn brown and grey very fast. Because of this, you will have to buy it every 1-2 weeks just as you would any fresh flower. Fresh eucalyptus costs more than dried eucalyptus, but only slightly less than preserved eucalyptus. It is usually used in fresh flower bouquets (but preserved eucalyptus can also be used with fresh flowers and will last from first bloom to last petals dropping).
At the end of the two weeks of your fresh eucalyptus drying out you will end up with mostly dried eucalyptus. It is not that great to look at since the color has faded and the leaves are shriveled and shrunken. Most of the scent is gone by the time it is dried out. We don't recommend looking for this product to decorate your home with. Dried Eucalyptus can be used to create other products once ground up, such as lotions, but we don't provide information on how to use it in that way. This is the least costly of the options but it is used for very different purposes, not for home decor.
The best option for your decor is really preserved eucalyptus because it will stay looking nice for a long time. Preserved Eucalyptus has been dyed to maintain color, and preserved naturally so it can retain it's scent as well. Eucalyptus is preserved using glycerin, so there are no harsh chemicals and only the natural eucalyptus oil scents it. It won't retain the full scent forever, but usually is quite fragrant for several weeks up to a few months, and then is less scented as it sits. The best part is that it won't become brittle and shrivel away as fresh eucalyptus does, and all you have to do is spray some eucalyptus spray or air freshener on it to revitalize the scent. This will help your home to always smell fresh, relaxing, and clean.
You save a lot of time and money using preserved eucalyptus by not having to buy fresh eucalyptus all the time. Preserved eucalyptus leaves and branches will stay looking great for months if not years. If you want the scent to be stronger, simply spray it with a little eucalyptus oil or spritz it with water once in a while to amplify the scent.
Another benefit of using preserved eucalyptus is that it has been dyed-- this means that it is available in a variety of rich colors. You can choose from the many color options to create the perfect arrangement or accent your bouquets. The dye can bleed a bit onto light porous surfaces, like fabrics, especially if it gets damp, so use caution as needed.
Eucalyptus can also be used solo in a vase, you really can't go wrong. Mix colors and varieties of preserved eucalyptus to create stunning wreaths and centerpieces. It goes well with any decorating theme- contemporary, modern farmhouse, rustic, french country, mid-century modern, and more. It is such a versatile greenery.
Preserved eucalyptus is also a great option for Eucalyptus Showers- the aromatherapy technique of hanging eucalyptus inside your shower. The steam helps release the eucalyptus oil from the leaves which contributes to muscles relaxing, sinuses opening up, and relieving cold and flu symptoms.
Preserved eucalyptus is also ideal if you make arrangements with eucalyptus and other dried or wood flowers as well. Your arrangements will last and look amazing for a lot longer making for happier customers if you resell your bouquets and wreaths.
Try some preserved Eucalyptus today. Simply pick your favorite colors of eucalyptus and put some in a vase or arrangement. We sell the highest quality Preserved Eucalyptus. We know you'll love it!
