Topic:
Landscape Design
Poinsettias may be the first Christmas flower most people think of, but they’re far from the only way to bring life into your home at Christmas time. The holiday season is filled with plants that bloom in winter, stay bright when daylight fades or offer green foliage when everything outside feels bare.
Each one brings its own personality to the mix, and together they show just how many Christmas plants and flowers can shine long after the red poinsettia has taken center stage. Here are seven holiday plant favorites that deliver color, charm and steady performance during the festive holiday season.
Amaryllis is a true winter showstopper. Its tall stems and large bright red or white flowers make it one of the most eye-catching Christmas plants available.
It grows from a sturdy bulb and sends up clean green foliage before opening dramatic blooms that last for weeks. Because it grows so predictably, it’s a favorite holiday plant for homeowners who want something reliable with a little flair.
Amaryllis prefers bright light or full sun indoors and stays comfortable in average room temperatures. Once the holiday season passes, the bulb can continue as a year-round potted plant.
Popular varieties:
The Christmas cactus brings cheerful color during a time when most plants rest. Its hanging stems and smooth segments create a soft, relaxed shape, and the blooms appear right at Christmas time in red, pink or white. It’s a houseplant with staying power, often reblooming every holiday season once it settles in.
This holiday plant grows well in bright indirect light and handles typical indoor temperatures with ease. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a plant that blooms on schedule while staying easygoing the rest of the year.
Popular varieties:
Cyclamen brings crisp color and elegant structure to winter. Its flowers stand just above the foliage, creating a neat display of red flowers or white flowers that fit naturally into Christmas decorations. The leaves often have silver marbling, adding interest even when the plant isn’t blooming.
It prefers cooler indoor rooms and bright indirect light or partial shade. With steady conditions, cyclamen continues blooming well into the new year and remains one of the most dependable seasonal indoor plants.
Popular varieties:
Paperwhites grow quickly, bloom reliably and bring a clean winter look with clusters of white flowers on tall stems. The flowering plant is grown from bulbs and often sprouts within days, making them one of the most rewarding Christmas plants and flowers for the holiday season.
These bulbs enjoy bright indirect light and moderate temperatures. Their scent is distinct and instantly recognizable, and their upright form works well as a potted plant or grouped centerpiece.
Popular varieties:
Christmas roses, or Helleborus niger, are winter-blooming perennials known for their soft white flowers and deep green foliage. They bloom even in the coldest months, which makes them a strong option for anyone who wants winter color that feels natural and understated.
Indoors they prefer cooler conditions and filtered or indirect light. Outdoors they behave as evergreens that offer structure and greenery year-round. Christmas roses bring a gentle, long-lasting presence when most plants are still dormant.
Popular varieties:
Succulents add a fresh, modern twist to Christmas plants. Their geometric shapes, thick leaves and steady green foliage complement seasonal greenery without competing for attention. They’re low maintenance, making them perfect for the busy holiday season.
Most succulents enjoy bright indirect light or full sun, depending on the type. They’re long-lasting houseplants that stay attractive year-round and work well as potted plant gifts.
Popular varieties:
Boxwood provides dependable evergreen structure during winter. Its dense green foliage and compact growth give it a tidy appearance that fits naturally with the holiday season.
Because boxwood holds its color through cold weather, it’s a steady addition when other plants fade. It has long been used in traditional Christmas wreaths, centerpieces and garlands thanks to its sturdy stems and rich green foliage that stays fresh throughout the season.
Indoors, small potted boxwood selections tolerate bright indoor light for short periods. Outdoors, they offer green structure year-round and remain one of the most traditional evergreen choices.
Popular varieties:
Choosing Christmas plants and flowers beyond the traditional poinsettia brings more depth and interest to the holiday season. Some bring bold winter blooms, others stay green when everything else fades and many are simply enjoyable to watch during the slower months.
When you mix plants with different bloom times, textures and habits, your home feels more vibrant and inviting all winter long. These selections provide a simple way to add life, warmth and variety to the season while giving you something that lasts well beyond the holidays.
To learn more about designing a custom landscape for your home, download our free ebook, The Mindful Homeowner's Guide to Transformative Landscape Design. If you're ready to get started on your new landscape project, or simply want to learn more about the process, you can contact our team here to schedule a free consultation. We'd love to talk to you!
