How Do You Preserve Eucalyptus Leaves For Dried Floral Arrangements?
If you’re fortunate enough to live where eucalyptus can be grown, you may have thought about preserving some branches to use in dried floral arrangements or wreaths. In order to keep leaves flexible, use vegetable glycerin, available at most drug stores and many craft stores, to preserve your eucalyptus branches. Using glycerin takes a bit longer than air drying, but glycerin-preserved leaves will be less brittle. It will also make them easier to clean and preserve their pleasant scent. Choose a warm, dry place to preserve your eucalyptus where it won’t be disturbed for two to six weeks. Cut eucalyptus in the middle of its growing season when the plant’s respiratory system is most active. Cut branches at least 18 inches long and strip the leaves on the bottom 6 inches of the branch. Remove damaged or shriveled leaves. Boil some water and add it to glycerin in a large, heavy-bottomed vase or other container. Use two parts boiling water to one part glycerin. Shred the bottom 3 or 4 inche
