Bright red poinsettias may be the iconic plant of the holiday season, but they’re far from the only option that can bring festive cheer to your home this season. If you’re ready to branch out from the poinsettia plant (pun intended), we’ve got a lineup of dazzling holiday plants and Christmas flowers that deserve a spot in your celebrations.
Native to the Northeast, winterberry holly is a deciduous tree known for its vibrant red berries that typically appear in the fall. During their bloom time, these berries are all that remain on the tree after its leaves have fallen, giving a striking contrast to the winter landscape. Winterberry holly is a versatile option as holiday decor — incorporate it in hanging baskets, Christmas wreaths, tabletop arrangements and garlands.
The Norfolk Island pine, originally found in the South Pacific, resembles a miniature Christmas tree. Its greenery makes it a favorite for holiday decorating, and its small stature makes it well-suited for containers. As an evergreen, the Norfolk Island pine will look great long after the holiday season is over and can grow in your home year-round. However, this plant is not cold-resistant, so do not leave it outside during the cold months.
This succulent houseplant earned its holiday-inspired name thanks to its pink, red and white flowers, which bloom around Christmastime. The Christmas cactus grows best in indirect light, and looks great in holiday decor such as centerpieces and baskets. It’s also a thoughtful gift to give to hosts of holiday gathering, as it has low-maintenance requirements and a hardiness that can see it thriving into the next year and beyond.
As a wintertime bloomer, the amaryllis is a bulb plant that is a popular choice for holiday displays, as well as gift-giving. Depending on the variety, an amaryllis can have red, pink, white or striped flowers that are in a dramatic trumpet shape. Some of the favorite types of amaryllis for the holidays are the red lion, apple blossom, dancing queen, minerva and the aptly-named Christmas gift.
Like the amaryllis, the paperwhite narcissus is a bulb plant that can be forced to bloom during the winter. It has white flowers and long green stems, exuding a feel of elegance for your Christmas decorations. Many paperwhite fans especially enjoy its sweet, fragrant scent.
Commonly used as an evergreen shrub in landscaping, the rich green color of boxwood makes it a plant perfectly suited for the holiday season. Boxwoods often are used as the base of a holiday breath, or can be potted and shaped into a topiary ready for holiday decorating.
Cyclamen is a tropical plant that blooms in array of signature holiday colors such as red, white, pink and purple. During the holidays, pots of cyclamen can be found in table centerpieces and window displays. Unlike many other tropical plants, it thrives in cooler environments, making it well-suited for the cold temperatures of the winter season. To care for the cyclamen, choose a spot that has plenty of bright light. Avoid letting it dry out by keeping the soil moist, but not soaking wet.
The holiday season offers a rich variety of festive plants beyond the classic poinsettia. From the bold blooms of amaryllis to the delicate beauty of cyclamens, and the enduring charm of winterberry holly, each plant brings its own unique flair to holiday decorating.
Whether you're looking to add a splash of color, a touch of elegance, or even a fragrant accent to your celebrations, these alternatives are sure to impress. This holiday season is a wonderful time to explore these vibrant and versatile options to create a holiday atmosphere that's as distinctive as it is memorable.
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