Founding florist
Tulipanna
Bondi NSW · est. 1992
A Bondi Road florist since 1992, with seasonal bouquets, arrangements, roses and potted orchids, and a weekly note on what's at market.
Australian nativeEucalyptus spp.
Eucalyptus: when it's in season in Australia
Eucalyptus is available all year in Australia, from local growers.Being confirmed
- Right now
- In season in September
- Season
- all year
Season by state
Eucalyptus is foliage, not a flower, but it is the backbone of Australian floristry. Farmed gum foliage is available all year, with silver-leaved types such as silver dollar gum (Eucalyptus cinerea) and 'Baby Blue' (Eucalyptus pulverulenta) the florist favourites, plus stems of gum nuts. Some species also give flowering stems and coloured buds in their own seasons. The waxy leaves hold up well in a vase and dry nicely. Brisbane's Northside Flower Market lists gum and gum nuts across autumn, winter and spring.
Where to buy eucalyptus
Sold by the bunch all year. Being confirmed
How to choose good eucalyptus
Give the bunch a gentle shake. Fresh gum feels firm, and the leaves should not rattle, curl or droop at the soft new tips, which wilt first. Look for an even silvery bloom on the leaves, without rubbed patches or black spots, and stems that are clean and pale where they were cut. Crush a leaf and it should smell sharp and clean. One bunch fills a medium vase on its own, and half a bunch is plenty as greenery for flowers. Leaf stems are farmed all year, so there is no cheap season to wait for, but grab gum nut stems when they turn up.
An Australian native
Eucalyptus is Australian native.
Where it's grown
Most cut gum is farmed, not picked from the bush. Growers plant silver-leaved species in rows and cut them back hard, so the trees keep sending up young stems with the round leaves florists want. AgriFutures has published a growers' guide to eucalypts for floriculture, covering foliage as well as bud and flower lines. Plantings are spread through the southern states, with Victoria and South Australia both significant. Being confirmed Many are native flower farms that grow gum alongside protea, banksia and waxflower. In the wild, silver dollar gum is a tree of the tablelands of NSW and Victoria, while 'Baby Blue' comes from the ranges west and south of Sydney. Being confirmed
Stems at Australian markets are mostly grown here, so when it is out of season it is hard to find. Being confirmed
Colours, varieties and care
Colours
- silver-blue
- grey-green
- green
- red-tinged new growth
Varieties to ask for
- Eucalyptus cinerea (silver dollar gum)
- Eucalyptus pulverulenta 'Baby Blue'
Making it last
- Cut 2cm off stems on an angle
- Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline
- Use clean water and change it every few days
- Keep away from heaters and direct sun
- To dry, hang bunches or leave them standing in an empty vase
Using it at home
Gum goes with almost anything. In spring it sits well with waratah, protea and banksia in a big native jug, and it softens roses at any time of year. Use a heavy, wide-mouthed vase, as woody stems get top-heavy. Silver dollar gum is round and flat, so it reads as structure, while 'Baby Blue' is denser and more ruffled. Over the vase life the leaves slowly stiffen and turn a duller grey-green. That is the moment to pour the water out and let the stems dry in place. Dried gum lasts for months.
Where to see it growing
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Canberra
Best: September to NovemberBeing confirmed
Questions people ask
When is eucalyptus in season in Australia?
Eucalyptus foliage is available all year, because growers cut leafy stems rather than flowers. Gum nuts and flowering or budded stems are more seasonal and depend on the species. Silver dollar and 'Baby Blue' are the ones florists reach for most.
Is eucalyptus a flower?
In floristry it is used as foliage. The trees do flower, and some species are sold for their blossom or coloured buds, but the silvery leaf stems are what you usually get in a bunch or bouquet.
How long does cut eucalyptus last?
With care, cut gum foliage can last up to two weeks or longer, according to Queensland supplier Flower Shed. Recut the stems, strip leaves below the waterline and change the water every few days. It dries well afterwards.
Is eucalyptus poisonous to dogs and cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists eucalyptus as toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves contain essential oils, including eucalyptol, and eating them can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and weakness. Keep vases and dried bunches out of reach of pets that chew, and call your vet if you think they have eaten some.
Can I grow my own eucalyptus for cutting?
Yes, if you have the room. Silver dollar gum and 'Baby Blue' grow into trees, but cutting them back hard each year keeps them shrubby and encourages the round young leaves used in floristry. Give them full sun and free-draining soil, and plant them well away from pipes and buildings.
