Eucalyptus is one of the most used greens in floral design: round or elongated leaves, a grey-blue colour, a fresh scent. It copes well out of water for a few hours, so it works in garlands, table runners, place cards and buttonholes. It dries and preserves easily.
It is available almost all year round and is especially popular in winter, with berries, pine cones and fairy lights. The scent is strong: in large quantities on a table you will notice it. The guide to greenery in floral design compares it with ruscus, olive and other greens; the guides to flowers in January and December place it in the winter calendar; the one on New Year's Eve floral decorations shows a festive use.
What to ask: which variety will be used, whether the scent on the table will be too strong, whether it is grown in Italy.
