Abstract: Preservatives for cut flowers which include an extract from eucalyptus leaves as a bactericidal agent. The preservative further includes at least one additive selected from naturally occurring bactericidal substances not found in the extract from eucalyptus leaves, saccharides, disinfectants, water-soluble mineral substances, calcium phosphate compounds, surface active substances and plant hormones. The preservative is effective to keep cut flowers fresh for an extended period of time, does not harmfully effect the flowers, and is safe and has no toxic effect to young children, when it is drunk by mistake.