From Our Farm to Your Shower: How We Grow and Use Eucalyptus

On our farm, we grow a LOT of eucalyptus!

We have two full rows that have perennialized and are now 2–3 years old. I start harvesting in August and have them completely cut back by December. We use eucalyptus in so many ways, including shower swags, but first let’s talk about growing it.

How to grow eucalyptus:

Yes, eucalyptus does grow here. They like full sun and well draining soil. Once they are established they are very drought tolerant but they do need regular watering while they're young.

Eucalyptus will never grow into a 30 foot tree here in WNC but it does survive our typical winters. What happens is the plant naturally self prunes itself, some branches will basically die in the winter, not always but this is common. I classify eucalyptus like rosemary, it still depends on the winter. If we have 0 degree weather they (just like the rosemary) will can completely die and you may have to start over. But they are SO worth taking the chances because that does not happen every year!!

Mulching heavily around them in the winter can help but be sure in the summer to move the mulch back because that retains moisture.

We grow and sell the plant each spring into summer! They are started by seed and are very slow growing to start. By the time we sell our plants they are close to 9 months old. Once these plants are established they are quick growing. In one season an established eucalyptus can grow 6 feet or more!

What to do with Eucalyptus:

On our farm we use eucalyptus in SO many ways!

A few of our uses:

• Fresh greenery in flower bouquets — long lasting and amazingly fragrant

• Small side shoots in Christmas wreaths

• Dried eucalyptus for wreath bases and valentines bouquets

• Stripped leaves for potpourri, ornaments, and wedding toss

• And of course… our favorite: Shower Swag!

Shower Swag:

Hanging eucalyptus in the shower lets the steam release its natural oils. The aroma can make your shower feel more relaxing, refreshing, and spa-like. Many people love how it creates a clearer-feeling breathing environment and boosts mood with its clean, herbal scent.

Here’s how to use it:

• hang behind the shower head

• gently crush leaves to help release oils

• steam activates the scent

• enjoy the aroma daily

• lasts 2–3 weeks

To make it last even longer, keep your swag in a cup of water when it’s not hanging in the shower. If the scent fades, gently roll the bundle with a rolling pin to re-release the oils

We offer eucalyptus plants in spring and shower swags late summer into fall if you want to try this yourself! Let me know if you have questions or have any tips I can add in the comments!!