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Whether you like them in the form of your favorite oil pouring out of a defuser on a relaxing night in, a calming perfume, a silky smooth sleepy-time lotion, or standing tall in a vase in your kitchen, who doesn’t love eucalyptus!?
“Outside were the eucalyptus trees, like lace against the sky. If it were only possible to lie against them, light and bodiless, sink into their softness, deeper and deeper, lost in them, buried, never come back again.”
— Shirley Jackson
Since there are so many distinct species, eucalyptus can vary greatly depending on its geographical location.
For example, eucalyptus found in tropical regions will vary from those found in more subtropical regions. The kind of scent they produce is also another trait that relies heavily on their physical location. [1]
Similarly, there are tons of different meanings and symbolism attached to this plant as well!
The eucalyptus is considered a holy tree for the Aboriginals, or the Indigenous peoples of Australia.
For the Aboriginals, it represents the division of the underworld, earth, and heaven.
The eucalyptus leaf is also often believed to have a purifying effect, as negative energy disappears in the place where you burn it.
Some eucalyptus trees even contain gold. The roots extract the metal from the soil, but because it’s toxic for the tree, it tries to get rid of it through the leaves. Scientists have only found small quantities of gold in the eucalyptus plant, but the presence of the metal is a huge indicator that there is gold in the ground it’s growing in. [6]
Some main symbols to keep in mind:
Some more symbols, just for kicks:
Since eucalyptus oils are often used in perfumes, they must smell pretty darn good, right!?
We touched on the Aboriginals living in the Australian outback – but did you know they’ve been using eucalyptus oil as a traditional medicine for many centuries? Natives would chew the roots of the leaves because they held so much water. Tea was also made from the leaves and was considered a remedy for a fever.
In 1778, surgeons Dennis Considen and John White, who were on board the First Fleet (which collectively founded the penal colony of Australia), distilled eucalyptus that was growing wild on the shores of Port Jackson to treat convicts and soldiers.
Early colonists also extracted the oil, but it wasn’t until 1852 when Joseph Bosisto, a Melbourne pharmacist, established the commercial eucalyptus oil industry by opening the world’s first commercial distillation plant.
In the 1870s, eucalyptus oil became an important Australian industry and was regularly exported to a growing international market.
The Australian eucalyptus oil industry peaked in the 1940s, but by the 1950s, the cost of producing the oil had increased so much in Australia that it couldn’t compete against cheaper Spanish and Portuguese varieties. Even today, although non-Australian sources still dominate the commercial eucalyptus industry, Australia’s high-grade oils are still in demand. [2]
The most popular eucalyptus in American gardens is globe eucalyptus, but you may want to consider a smaller variety like E. gregsoniana, E. apiculata, E. vernicosa, or E. obstusiflora instead.
Begin by planting your eucalyptus seeds in the largest pot you can find, and once they outgrow their pot, it’s usually best to discard the plant and start over. Eucalyptus trees grown in pots won’t take to transplantation to the ground.
If you live in a warmer climate and want to grow in the ground, it’s best to choose a planting site in full sun with protection from the wind.
Plant your seeds well before the first frost, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you may be able to get away with waiting until a few weeks before. Plan ahead as the seeds will require a stratification period of about 2 months. Since eucalyptus doesn’t transplant well, plant your seeds in peat pots which will help prevent transplant shock when it comes time to transplant.
Plant your peat pots in a warm area and mist them frequently to keep the soil evenly moist but never saturated. Move the seedlings outdoors after the last frost.
Eucalyptus requires full sun and well-draining soil. Water them regularly, particularly during warm, dry weather. They are drought tolerant and will rebound from slight wilt; however, be sure the foliage doesn’t shrivel. [4]
DID YOU KNOW?
They can help prevent Malaria! In areas of the world with high populations of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, eucalyptus trees are sometimes planted. Not only do they reduce the amount of stagnant water, their secret weapon, cineole, but they help also reduce mosquito populations. [3]
Good news!
Your fresh eucalyptus stems will last wayy longer than flowers would!
They can actually last up to a few years in a vase (if you dry/preserve them).
Let’s talk about some care tips to keep your eucalyptus fresh for as long as possible:
You’ll see eucalyptus in arrangements from Christmas & winter to spring & summer! It’s the perfect gift for any occasion, any time of year!
References:
[1] Tree Symbolism
[2] Alpha Aromatics
[3] Ambient BP
[4] Gardening Know How
[5] Home Guide
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