20 Winter Plants Perfect for the Holidays
Christmas time is just about here!
This is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year (even more so than lambing or chick hatching time).
I love decorating my house, and earlier this week, I gave you all a cute new ornament idea to try. But aside from the strands of garland, twinkling white lights, and the red berries EVERYWHERE, I’m always a bit stumped as to how to decorate my house in a natural, classic country style.
I have never been one of those people who loves the inflatable decorations or bright multicolored Christmas lights. If you’re one of those people, no judgment - it’s just really not my thing.
But if you’re looking for a more elegant and sedated way to decorate your house, why not consider some of these beautiful plants? Yes, their beauty is only temporary - but many last well into the winter months.
Plus, some of these can be easily grown at home.
Here are some of my favorites.
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What Plant is Good for Winter?
When the temperature starts to drop and the days get shorter, many people think that their gardens will go into hibernation until spring. However, there are a number of plants that thrive in the colder months, including:
Roses
Poinsettias
Cyclamen
Amaryllis
Paperwhites
Ivy
Holly
In addition to the plants highlighted in this post, you can also grow some of these gorgeous flowering plants, too:
20 Winter Plants Perfect for the Holidays
Roses
Roses aren’t just for Valentine’s Day, and this time of the year, they’re actually a much better choice. Not only can you often buy them at lower prices than on February 14, but they’ll decorate your home for December in a truly spectacular way.
They’re easy to grow, too - several varieties can make it all through the winter months without dying off.
Holly
Holly is another of the quintessential holiday plants. You can use wreaths or shrubs of holly to decorate your home, since it remains green throughout the winter months. Just keep in mind that only female holly plants will produce those signature red berries.
Rosemary
Herbs have a place at the Christmas table too! Rosemary is a potted herb that takes up very little space - just a few inches or so. It has a fragrant aroma that’s perfect for the holidays - plus, you can always trim pieces off for your Christmas dinner!
Here's a great deal on rosemary plants for you.
Amaryllis
The Amaryllis is another classic option for you to consider. It’s the perfect gift to give, too, since you don’t have to get rid of it once it’s done flowering. You can instead stash the bulb in a cool, dark place - you’ll be able to replant it later on.
Amaryllis grows from a bulb, blooming just six weeks after you plant it. You can also grow amaryllis in a greenhouse or hoop house to encourage flowering in December.
Looking for a great gift? Check out this amaryllis deal!
Cyclamen
The cyclamen produces gorgeous upswept petals that are perfect for this time of the year. Available in colors like pink, white, purple, the red shade is by far the most popular around the holidays. It also has silver foliage that are lovely to behold.
Poinsettias
The poinsettia is considered the classic Christmas plant today, but it wasn’t always this way. This plant was, for a long time, considered just a weed. Now, though, it is a Christmastime staple.
Phalaenopsis Orchid
You might not associate orchids with Christmas cheer, but you need to! They’re easy to keep alive as long as your home remains at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also need a fair amount of light and the orchid will add color to your home all winter long.
American Mistletoe
Kissing purposes aside, American Mistletoe has been associated with the holiday season since the 1700s. The legend goes that if you refuse a kiss, you’ll have bad luck for years!
Mistletoe is native in places like Florida, Texas, and the mid-Atlantic. It actually grows in a somewhat parasitic manner here! You can clip mistletoe for an arrangement without causing damage to the host tree.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus might not look very festive, but it’s famous this time of the year because it remains vibrant right through the Christmas season. Often referred to as the Thanksgiving cactus, this succulent plant comes to market just in time for the holidays. It has gorgeous green leaves along with flowers that are red, white, purple, or pink.
Fir
Some people use fir trees as Christmas trees - others use balsam. No matter what, make sure you consider decorating your home with some fir!
You can easily ornate your home with potted trees or with sprigs of fir. If you grow fir trees, know that they won’t grow well in the south - they need a moist, cool environment in order for their roots to develop.
Winter Honeysuckle
Winter honeysuckle is a semi-evergreen shrub with long, oval leaves in dark green. The plant flowers during the winter months and produces cream-colored, sweet-smelling blooms accompanied by red fruit.
Pick up some seeds here.
Christmas Roses
Not a traditional red rose but a unique hellebore, the term “rose” is actually a bit of a misnomer when it comes to the delicate Christmas rose. This plant is perennial and will add a touch of class to your home around the holidays.
Paperwhites
The paperwhite flower produces tall, fragrant blooms that are perfect for the holidays. A lovely white color, these delicate flowers just need a little bit of water in order to grow strong and healthy.
Ivy
Ivy is another beautiful Christmas plant. Famous in many Christmas songs - I mean, have you heard of “The Holly and the Ivy”? - this climbing vine can be grown horizontally or vertically as well as in pots. It’s gorgeous for a Christmastime planting.
Yuletide Camellia
The Yuletide Camellia, often referred to simply as “Yuletide,” is an easy to grow flowering shrub. It begins to bloom in the fall and endures all winter. A compact plant, it will only grow to about four feet tall!
Pansy
The pansy is a perennial that can be grown as a cool-season annual. With shiny green leaves and flowers that can be blue, white, red, or yellow, the pansy is perfect for a mass planting in a garden border - or in a container so it will last all winter long.
Pear Tree
Nope, no partridge required! Pear trees aren’t necessary winter plants, but they can be grown inside! Plus, you can make tasty treats like pear tarts later on.
Mahonia
Mahonia, or Mahonia x media, is another evergreen shrub to consider. It looks a lot like holly but is more closely related to barberry. It produces prickly leaves that provide an elegant green backdrop. It produces fragrant blooms right around Christmas along with berry-like fruits.
Winterberry Holly
Another holly species for you to consider is winterberry holly. A classic Christmas shrub, this plant produces dark green leaves and bright red berries. It requires a moist growing environment and grows best in boggy areas.
You can get some plants here!
Valencia Orange
Citrus fruits are perfect for the winter months when they’re in season in the south. However, winter citrus plants like Valencia orange can also provide you with color during the colder months, too. These plants require regular water and full sun - but some types of oranges can also be grown indoors during the winter months.
Oh - and let’s not forget about the classic. The Christmas tree! Don’t think that by indulging in a real Christmas tree you’re damaging the environment, either. There are lots of studies demonstrating that real trees are actually better. Check this link out here for more information.
Oh - and they smell great!
What plants do you like to use around the holidays? Let me know in the comments!
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