The Top 10 Christmas Plants To Add To Your Garden This Year

Christmas is usually associated with snow and winter, but it can actually be a great time to add some color and life to your garden. The biggest advantage of having Christmas plants growing outside is that they’ll bloom just in time for the holiday season. Here are my top 10 favorites:

Top 10 Christmas Plants To Decorate
Takeaways
Keep your garden festive and bright during the holidays with the top 10 Christmas plants.
Choose the right plants and use holiday-specific decoration to create a magical garden atmosphere.
Consider bringing some plants indoors for a cozy and warm Christmas atmosphere.
Avoid common gardening mistakes that could harm your Christmas garden.
Learn how to build a hydroponic garden tower for an easy and innovative way to grow plants during the winter.
Further reading: Check out additional articles on Christmas gardening tips and plants.
FAQs: Get answers to common questions about growing Christmas plants and decorating your garden during the holidays.

1. Poinsettia

If you’re looking for a plant that will not only help add some color to your garden, but also provide some beauty and character, consider the poinsettia. 

This evergreen perennial is native to Mexico and has bright red flowers that grow on it year-round. The leaves are green with white edges, which gives it an elegant look the perfect addition to any home or office during the holidays!

Looking for some expert tips to create a perfect Christmas garden? Check out our 13 tips for a beautiful and festive garden during the holidays, including amazing ideas for Christmas decoration, on our article discussing gardening secrets for a perfect Christmas.

2. Holly

Holly is a hardy evergreen shrub that is native to Europe and Asia. Holly has shiny green leaves that are prickly, and white berries that are poisonous. It’s a popular Christmas decoration as well as being used in wreaths, garlands and other holiday decorations. 

Holly’s berries were once considered to be a magical cure-all for various ailments, but they can also cause illness if ingested by humans or animals.

The plant itself is easy to grow; you’ll find holly thriving in areas with partial shade or sun exposure during the summer months (but needs protection from the cold during winter).

Facts About Holly

OriginEurope and Asia
LeavesShiny green and prickly
BerriesWhite and poisonous
UsesChristmas decoration, wreaths, garlands, and other holiday decorations

Holly is a hardy evergreen shrub native to Europe and Asia. This popular Christmas decoration features shiny green leaves that are prickly to the touch, and white berries that are poisonous to humans and most animals. Holly is often incorporated into festive holiday decorations, such as wreaths and garlands. Whether you’re using holly in DIY projects or incorporating it into your garden, these facts about holly can come in handy when working with this stunning plant.

3. Christmas Cacti

It’s common to think of cacti as desert plants, but they can be quite hardy and drought tolerant in the right circumstances. 

The large, colorful blooms of Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) make them popular for Christmas decorations around the world. 

They’re easy to grow indoors or out, though it’s best to keep them away from direct sunlight if you live in North America otherwise they’ll get sunburned!

Want to create a magical light display in your garden this Christmas? We’ve got you covered! Our article on creating a magical Christmas light display in your garden will guide you step-by-step on how to make your garden look like a wonderland this holiday season.

4. Rosemary

Rosemary is a perennial herb and a member of the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. 

Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and grows well in dry conditions, so it’s an ideal choice for xeriscaping. You’ll want to prune your rosemary regularly it’s best to cut back older stems during spring or summer months after their flowers have faded.

Rosemary has been used for centuries as an aromatic spice and medicinal herb; its oil is also used as an ingredient in many personal care products such as soaps and shampoos.

Facts About Rosemary

FamilyMint Family
TypePerennial herb
OriginMediterranean region
SunGrows best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade
UsesCulinary herb, aromatherapy, decoration, and medicinal purposes

Rosemary is a versatile herb and a member of the mint family. It is a hardy, perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. In fact, rosemary thrives in full sun, but can still grow well in partial shade. Rosemary is commonly used for culinary purposes, such as seasoning meats or adding flavor to soups and stews, but it is also used in aromatherapy, decoration and for medicinal purposes.

5. Mistletoe

The mistletoe plant is a parasitic plant that grows on trees and shrubs. The leaves of the mistletoe plant are green to yellowish-green, and flowers are white with four petals. The fruit is an oval berry which turns from green to red when ripe.

Mistletoe is native to Europe and Asia, but has also been introduced into North America and Australia.[1] It is hardy in USDA zones 1 through 9; however, it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or hot dry winds (such as those found in Arizona).

Need some ideas to bring a cozy and festive atmosphere into your home this Christmas? Our article discussing the best plants to bring indoors for a cozy Christmas atmosphere shares some beautiful, low-maintenance plants that will add a touch of Christmas spirit to your home.

6. Paperwhites

Paperwhites are a great choice for the beginner gardener. They’re an easy plant to grow, and they look beautiful in bloom. Paperwhites are also known as amaryllis or winter lily.

Paperwhites like indirect sunlight or artificial light (such as from a grow light). You can keep them on the windowsill or near your Christmas tree for a festive display! 

The best time to plant paperwhites is in mid-September until early November; earlier than this can lead to frost damage and later planting will result in fewer blooms.

Paperwhite bulbs should be planted about 2 inches deep with the pointed end up, just beneath the surface of your soil so that the tip is barely showing above ground level when you water them in well with warm water (not hot!). 

It’s important that you don’t overwater these plants because they’ll rot if they sit too wet for too long!

7. Norfolk Pine

Norfolk Pine is a popular Christmas tree, but it also makes for an attractive landscape plant as well. It’s a coniferous evergreen tree known for its rugged, low-maintenance nature.

The Norfolk Island pine is native to Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea, where it can grow up to 60 feet tall. 

It was first introduced to Britain in 1788 when Captain Arthur Phillip imported specimens from New South Wales (the area around Sydney), Australia. 

Since then, these trees have become popular among gardeners who want something low maintenance that will grow into a large specimen over time—and since they’re able to withstand salt spray, they’re perfect for getting planted near coastal areas!

Avoid common mistakes that can ruin your Christmas garden this year! Our article on gardening mistakes to avoid this Christmas will guide you through the six common gardening mistakes that you should avoid to keep your garden healthy and thriving throughout the holiday season.

8. Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a gorgeous plant that is easy to grow, and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It’s also a bulb so you need to plant it in the spring.

In the winter, Amaryllis produces an amazing flower! They come in all sorts of colors and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. 

This makes them perfect for Christmas gifts if you want something different than a traditional poinsettia or holly sprigs for your friends and family this year.

9. Jerusalem Cherry

Jerusalem cherry is a beautiful and fragrant flowering plant that makes for a great addition to your garden. 

The flowers are pink, white or red and bloom from May through July. It’s a small shrub that grows well in full sun or partial shade.

This hardy plant will grow in almost any soil type, but will thrive in moist ones. If you live in a region where winters are mild, Jerusalem cherry can be left outdoors year round; however if your winter temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius), it’s best to bring this plant indoors before winter sets in. 

In areas with milder winters, Jerusalem cherry can be kept outside during the summer months and brought inside when frost threatens your area (generally between September and November).

In general, watering is not necessary unless there is prolonged drought conditions present; otherwise watering once every two weeks should keep the plant happy enough to survive on its own without much assistance from you as long as they’re planted correctly!

Looking for an innovative way to cultivate plants during winter? Our step-by-step guide on how to build a hydroponic garden tower provides an easy-to-follow guide on how to build a hydroponic system in your garden, giving you an efficient way to grow your plants indoors regardless of the weather outside.

10. Christmas Ivy

If you’re looking for a beautiful evergreen and want to be able to easily grow it either in a pot or in the ground, Christmas ivy is an excellent option. 

This plant can tolerate shade, but it is best suited for full sun because it needs plenty of light to thrive. It grows as a vine with heart-shaped leaves that turn red in the fall, making it perfect for adding color during winter months as well as spring and summer! 

The flowers on this plant are white and blooms in April through June. A great thing about Christmas creeper plants is that they bloom throughout the year; however, they do not produce berries like other varieties do so you’ll need another type of holly if you want berries around your home during the holidays!

Conclusion

We hope this list has given you some inspiration for your own Christmas garden. Whether it’s a large or small space, these plants are sure to make it look festive and festive with their colorful flowers and foliage. 

If you have any other suggestions on plants that should be included in our top ten list please let us know!

Further Reading

For more ideas and tips on gardening during Christmas, check out these helpful resources:

Best Flowering Plants for Christmas: This article discusses the best flowering plants that will add life and vibrancy to your garden during the holidays.

Christmas Plants & Flowers Guide: This guide covers everything you need to know about Christmas plants and flowers, from festive favourites to expert advice on choosing and caring for them.

14 Best Christmas Plants to Decorate Your Home: This Country Living article highlights 14 gorgeous plants that will add a holiday touch to your home.

FAQs

What are some popular Christmas plants to grow in my garden?

Poinsettias, holly, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, amaryllis, and Christmas rose are among the most popular Christmas plants to grow in your garden during the holidays.

How do I care for Poinsettias in my garden during Christmas?

To care for poinsettias in your garden during Christmas, make sure they receive adequate lighting, do not overwater them, maintain a comfortable temperature of around 60-70°F, and fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

What are some tips for decorating my garden for Christmas?

To decorate your garden for Christmas, consider using lights and ornaments, add festive plants, create a seating area for outdoor gatherings, and add a decorative wreath to your door or entrance.

Can I grow Christmas plants indoors during the winter season?

Yes, many Christmas plants can grow indoors during the winter season, including poinsettias, Christmas cactus, amaryllis, cyclamen, and Norfolk Island pine. Make sure to provide adequate light and water to keep the plants healthy.

What are some common problems to look for when growing Christmas plants?

Some common problems when growing Christmas plants include overwatering, inadequate lighting, and improper temperature management. Additionally, you should be cautious of pests such as spider mites and aphids, which can quickly infest your plants.