The 13 Most Iconic Christmas Plants
We all know that chrysanthemums and marigolds are the go-to fall flowers, but once the outdoor temperatures take a serious drop, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit with some winter blooms. Home life can be a little better when you’re surrounded by plants; in fact, if you’re trying to shake off the winter funk, research suggests that plants have a positive effect on stress reduction, pain tolerance, and physical discomfort! Try decking out your home with these festive plants to give you company in lockdown.
This list features our longtime favorites, like poinsettias and holly, alongside a few unexpected plants to put a new spin on the traditional—Christmas cactus, anyone? You can even pop a rosemary plant into the mix, both for its mini Christmas-tree appearance and to add to your favorite holiday recipes.
Whether you love to go all out or prefer to keep things simple during the holiday season, these Christmas plants and flowers are sure to add extra life to your magical, indoor holiday garden.
1. Poinsettia
The poinsettia is the quintessential Christmas houseplant. The brilliant red petals, deep emerald leaves, and tiny yellow flowers in the center complement the traditional Christmas color palette to a T. If you’re a dog or cat owner, these beauties are also pet-safe. However, be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands after working with these plants—the sticky white sap can cause a skin rash.
2. Holly
Most of us have seen holly in the form of fresh wreaths studded with bright red berries, or perhaps as sprigs on a holiday tablescape. But did you know that holly trees can actually grow up to 50 feet tall? Either way, be sure to hang some holly in your home to bring good luck and protection.
3. Christmas Rose
Nope, this isn’t your Valentine’s Day red rose. In fact, the Christmas Rose, or hellebore, doesn’t belong to the rose family at all. While roses retire to cold sleep in winter, the Christmas Rose reveals its beautiful blossoms from November to February.
So why are they called the Christmas Rose? As the story goes, early botanists thought that these petals looked like those of wild roses. There's also a folk tale that says the “Christmas” element originated when a young girl shed tears because she had no gift for the baby Jesus and a blooming hellebore popped up out of the snow.
4. Amaryllis
The amaryllis name has roots in the Greek word for “sparkle.” The story goes that amaryllis flowers sprung up from the blood of the nymph Amaryllis, who was madly in love with the handsome shepherd Alteo. That beautiful flower helped her win his heart.
If you receive one of these beauties this season, add a stake to keep the flower stalk from falling over, and don't toss the pot once the flowering ends. It might seem like a one-and-done plant after the flowers fade, but you can store the bulb in a cool, dark place and move it to a warm, bright spot about 6-8 weeks before you want to see beautiful blooms again.
5. Mistletoe
Pucker up! Mistletoe is famed for its stolen-kisses power since the 18th century, with Victorians solidifying the tradition. Legend goes if you refuse a kiss, you'll be cursed with bad luck!
It’s often used as a symbol of renewal because it stays green all winter. But did you know that the mistletoe also has critical value in combating human illness? Extracts from mistletoe—used in Europe to fight colon cancer (the second greatest cause of cancer death in Europe and the Americas)—show signs of being more effective against cancer, and less toxic to humans, than standard chemotherapy.
6. Paperwhites
Paperwhites are known for their dainty, star-shaped, bright white flowers that add a nice fragrance to any room they’re stored in. They’re easy and fun to watch emerge; simply add water to a shallow bowl or jar, nestle the bulbs in pebbles, and watch the blooms last through the holidays and beyond.
7. Christmas Cactus
It’s true: You can enjoy succulents all through wintertime! The Christmas Cactus blooms just in time for the holidays. The "linked" segments look interesting on their own, and their flowers appear in red, white, yellow, pink, and purple hues. Each bloom lasts for several days, and the entire flowering period will span several weeks.
8. Rosemary
If you live in a small urban space, a potted herb might do the trick. Florists often shear the sprigs into a cone for a sweet-smelling topiary. Rosemary is equally distinctively fragrant as a Christmas tree and can be grown indoors and out. Native to the Mediterranean coast, this plant prefers dry and sandy soils with high sunlight. It can be used for ornamental purposes, for the preparation of salty and sweet dishes, and even in cosmetics and medicine.
9. Cyclamen
Cyclamen make lovely houseplants to brighten up the indoor environment during the cold winter months. The signature upswept petals pop up in markets each holiday season. With pretty crimson, white, pink, and purple petals, what’s not to love?
10. Pansies
Pansies are the cheerful flowers with “faces.” From delicate quarter-sized flowers to card-sized blossoms, pansies can grow short and compact or trail in waves up to 2 feet wide. They thrive in the cool weather and can even survive a frost, bouncing back from even single digit temperatures!
Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn.
11. Phalaenopsis Orchid
The “Moth Orchid” is the most common orchid, easily grown in the home and staying in bloom for a very long time. Find a moderately bright windowsill to house this winter-blooming beauty. It’s happiest between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and will add a pop of color to your home when it's cold and dreary out.
Flowering pear tree - white blossoms appear every spring. Photo courtesy of PlantingTree.com.
12. Pear Tree
… and a partridge. Okay, so a pear tree isn’t exactly a winter plant, but it is part of the 12 Days of Christmas carol, so it had to make the cut. Plant your pear tree in a spot that will ensure at least 6 to 8 hours of sun, not only for your sapling but for your full grown tree. Prune your tree, leaving a central leader, and choose 3-5 branches with outward rather than upward growth and prune out the rest. Your tree will start producing fruit in 3-5 years.
In some parts of Eastern Europe, the tradition is to hang a tree upside down.
13. Christmas Tree
And of course, we couldn’t complete this article without including the iconic Christmas tree. This fresh, wintry-smelling fir is a must-have decoration during the holidays! The tradition of decorating a tree is embraced by millions of people worldwide of different faiths and cultures. In fact, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, Americans alone buy upwards of 30 million Christmas trees a year. The best-selling evergreens come Christmas time include Balsam, Douglas and Fraser firs.
Conclusion
What are your favorite holiday blooms and plants? Let us know in the comments down below!
And when you’re finished, head on over to our Shop to pick out the perfect Shelfie and accessories to display all your lovely Christmas plants.
We can’t wait to see your creative holiday displays!