Seasonal Foliage: Getting the Blues
- Su Whale
- Nov 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
The colour blue, or to be more accurate, blue-grey, may not be the obvious choice when considering cut foliage but including it in designs not only accentuates bright, bold colours but will also complement softer pastel combinations.
Eucalyptus
The scent of Eucalyptus instantly brings Christmas to mind, and as such, is an essential ingredient in any festive arrangement, whether a swag, garland or a door wreath. There are many types of Eucalyptus, the most commonly used for seasonal Christmas designs is Eucalyptus pulverulenta, more commonly known as Baby blue and E. cinerea, or Gum tree.
The aromatic foliage is heart-shaped, blue grey in colour with a silvery white blush. It is sticky to the touch, as all Eucalyptus exude a sap, this is where its distinctive scent comes from.
How to buy Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is sold by weight and is sold generally in individual bunches or in bundles of ten. The average stem length is between 45-70cm. Eucalyptus can also be bought dipped in gold, silver or copper paint, which is great for using in Christmas designs although it does shorten its vase life.
Dyed Eucalyptus, available is a wide range of bright colours, should be handled with care – the dye tends to rub off and stain hands and clothing.
Eucalyptus cinerea
Soft, circular leaves that become more oval as they mature. Commonly known as Gum Tree, due to its sticky sap, it is a primary food for Koala bears.
Eucalyptus gunnii
The young leaves of this variety are the ‘bluest’ of all Eucalyptus, although the colour does mellow with age.
Eucalyptus parvifolia
A fast-growing evergreen with grey-green foliage that is slightly aromatic. Not as structured in shape as other Eucalyptus, but a good filler foliage.
Eucalyptus pulverulenta
Also known as Baby Blue, the heart-shaped leaves have a silvery white blush. This is the one most brides go for in their bouquets, although its sticky sap makes it tricky to use in wired work.
Floristry Tips from Su Whale
Eucalyptus Care
Temperature Range: 2-5°C.
Keep away from direct heat sources which can dry out the foliage, causing the leaves to go crispy.
Use secateurs or a sharp knife to re-cut stems.
Remove as much foliage as possible below the water line and don’t overcrowd containers.
Change water frequently, flower food is not required.
Eucalyptus needs high humidity to stop it from drying out, mist daily and store away from direct heat and draughts.
Wash hands and tools frequently with hot soapy water to remove the sap.
Don’t forget to price it in!
It’s easy to get carried away when creating your Christmas range with Eucalyptus. However, always keep the price of it in mind, making sure that every piece is costed in.
Using in Design Work
Long pieces can be woven into garlands while shorter stems are ideal for swags, vases and hand-tieds. Eucalyptus will last longer arranged directly in water, if using in floral foam, make sure containers are kept topped up. Sticky to the touch, wash hands and clean work bench and tools after use.
Phlebodium
Pronounced ‘flee-BOH-dee-um.’
Common Name: Blue fern
Although delicate in appearance, Blue fern is quite robust with a vase life of between 10 – 14 days. Re-cut stems with scissors or a sharp knife and stand in clean, shallow water without flower food.
Availability: March – September.
Temperature Range: 12-15°C.
Display away from cold spots and draughts.
Ceropegia
Pronounced ‘se-ro-PEE-gee-uh.’
Common Name: Chain of hearts, Sweetheart vine.
If you are looking for a blue-grey trailing foliage, this is the one. An evergreen succulent, capable of growing up (or down!) to 4m, it can be wound into and around designs in long lengths or cut into small sections for wired work.
Temperature Range: 22-25°C.
Cut directly from a plant, which should be kept in a dry, warm spot, away from the cold. Mist regularly, but only water when the top of the compost is dry.
Images provided by thejoyofplants.co.uk
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
