25 Christmas Flowers and Plants to Ring in the Season With Color

There is a variety of flowers, bushes, and trees that serve as ideal Christmas plants, offering vibrant colors and festive vibes. From the fiery reds of poinsettias to the traditional mistletoe and holly plants, these choices reflect the classic Christmas color palette.

To ensure these plants thrive throughout the holiday season and beyond, it’s crucial to understand their specific care needs. Here are 25 plants that enhance the holiday spirit, each requiring unique attention to maintain their health and appearance.

These holiday plants range from small potted varieties suitable for indoor spaces to taller trees and shrubs that flourish in garden settings. They all contribute to a festive atmosphere as living decorations during winter, whether they naturally bloom during this season or can be encouraged with proper care.

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Native to Mexico, poinsettias are known for their red and green colors, symbolizing Christmas. They require bright, filtered sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive without becoming leggy.

Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

Despite its appearance, Norfolk Island pine isn’t a true pine but a subtropical conifer. It prefers bright light indoors and can be used as a Christmas tree if not overloaded with heavy ornaments.

Holly (Ilex opaca)

Holly bushes stay green year-round with little maintenance, adorned with red berries perfect for holiday decorations. They thrive in acidic, well-drained soil.

Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum)

Known for its tradition of kissing under, mistletoe is low-maintenance but needs a healthy host tree to thrive.

Yew (Taxus spp.)

Yew shrubs feature red berries and evergreen foliage, ideal as alternative Christmas trees and for decorations. They require well-drained soil.

Ivy (Hedera helix)

Ivy’s star-like leaves symbolize growth and ward off evil spirits, popular in Christmas wreaths and decorations. It thrives in partial to full shade.

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Known for its pyramidal shape, Douglas fir is a popular Christmas tree choice requiring moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)

Blooming in shades of pink to red during Christmas, this tropical cactus prefers partial sun and well-drained soil.

Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

Blue spruce features blue-green needles and a pleasant scent, ideal for Christmas decorations. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Amaryllis bulbs produce vibrant blooms in winter, available in reds, pinks, and whites, thriving in full sun to partial shade.

Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus)

Paperwhites bloom with fragrant white flowers during winter, perfect for indoor displays in full sun to partial shade.

Pear Tree (Pyrus communis)

Pear trees bear fruits used in holiday dishes and require loamy, well-drained soil and full sun.

Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

Balsam fir’s conical shape and evergreen scent make it ideal for Christmas, needing moist, acidic, well-drained soil.

Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)

Juniper’s evergreen needles and fragrance make it popular for Christmas. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary can be trimmed into mini Christmas tree shapes, with fragrant green foliage. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

Yuletide Camellia (Camellia Sasanqua ‘Yuletide’)

Known for its festive red blooms, Yuletide camellia is an evergreen shrub needing loamy, moist, well-drained soil.

Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)

Winter honeysuckle blooms in winter with fragrant white flowers and red berries, thriving in moist, well-drained soil.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

Cyclamen blooms with butterfly-like petals in winter, preferring partial sun and well-drained, acidic soil.

Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

Moth orchids bloom beautifully in winter with minimal care, needing bright, indirect light and a coarse, well-draining medium.

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias feature fragrant flowers and shiny leaves, ideal for holiday displays in partial sun and rich, well-drained soil.

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Wintergreen offers green leaves and red berries during winter, thriving in low-nutrient, well-drained, acidic soil.

Hellebore (Helleborus niger)

Known as the Christmas rose, hellebore blooms in winter shade with long-lasting flowers, needing moist, well-drained soil.

Azaleas

Azaleas like Christmas Cheer bloom in winter with pink and red flowers, preferring well-drained, acidic soil and full sun.

Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.)

Snowdrops bloom in late winter with white flowers, thriving in well-drained soil and sun to partial shade.

Anthurium

Anthurium features shiny red spathes and bright green leaves, perfect for winter displays in bright, indirect light and moist soil.