1. Poinsettias
A classic favorite, a poinsettia embodies Christmas cheer. Its bright red and lush green leaves immediately infuse outdoor spaces with a party atmosphere. For the winter season, just position one or several plants in big, decorative planters or along your driveway. Mix it to make it modern and sophisticated; try white and pink poinsettias.
Pro Tip: Poinsettias prefer gentle temperatures, so keep them protected from frost. Bring them indoors during extreme cold. Poinsettias also symbolize good cheer and success, so the flower is an excellent option during the season of giving. Their flexibility concerning themes in decorations guarantees easy integration with both old-fashioned and modern themes.
2. Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
Other great options, which are evergreen in themselves, include cedar, juniper, or boxwood that frame entryways and create privacy screens or craft grand wreaths. Consider decorating them with string lights and ornaments to resemble a mini Christmas tree. They are the best landscape plants for fall!
Real-Life Idea: A customer in Seattle used solar-powered fairy lights on their juniper shrubs, changing the foliage into a beautiful holiday spectacle. They made an impact through it by being eco-friendly and chic! Evergreen trees adapt well to big yards and cozy patios. One is bound to find them very worth having long after the holidays.
3. Holly Bushes
There's nothing like the bright red berries of holly bushes for a holiday. Holly bushes are those plants that add a splash of color but make a traditional Christmas look. Place them in pots on your porch or plant along garden paths for a touch of festivity.
Care Tip: Holly bushes are highly tolerant and do well in many climates, so it is a good low-maintenance option. More symbolic in meaning, protection, and eternal life, it gives more depth to your Christmas decoration with Holly. Pair them with white LED lights for a subtle yet enchanting look.
4. Topiary Trees
For a sense of class, topiary trees are unmatched. These formed sculptures bring structure and a taste of classiness to the decor in your outdoor space. It comes in spiral, cone, or ball shapes; they can be dressed with lights or ribbons for more holiday cheer. Topiary trees are more than just an ornament; they are also an artistic type of gardening. They are cared for, and with years, they can be a part of your holiday traditions.
5. Cyclamen
Good sources of winter flowers or gardens are cyclamen plant varieties - their bright red, pink, or white flowers look wonderful. These plants grow hardy, tolerate cooler temperatures, and are perfect for outdoor Christmas displays. It is the best housewarming plant gift that everyone will love.
Placement Idea: Plant cyclamen in rustic wooden crates or decorative baskets for a country Christmas look. Their flowers are so small, and their foliage is quite such a bright color so it gives a refreshing contrast to the classical reds and greens of Christmas decor, bringing an artistic aspect to your outdoor settings.
6. Rosemary
Who says practical can't be pretty? Pruned into mini Christmas tree shapes, rosemary plants look as lovely as they smell. Place them on windowsills or patio tables for a delightful, fragrant complement to your holiday setup.
Bonus: When the holidays end, use the rosemary in your holiday recipes, from roast turkey to festive cocktails. Rosemary is also versatile outside the kitchen. Its needle-like evergreen foliage symbolizes remembrance, so add it to your holiday theme for meaningful reasons. Rosemary is one of the easiest houseplants that anyone can grow.
7. Winterberry
A cousin to the holly bush, winterberry is another festive favorite. Its bright red berries pop against the bare winter landscape, making it a great addition to your outdoor space.
Design Tip: Combine winterberry branches with pinecones and fairy lights in outdoor planters for a rustic Christmas aesthetic. Winterberries also attract birds, bringing life to your winter garden. Their bright red hues will remain lively until the winter months end while helping us fight winter blues.
8. Ornamental Kale and Cabbage
These colorful plants may not scream Christmas at first glance, but their deep purple and green tones make them a great add-on to your holiday. Pair with a modern layered look: red berries or white poinsettias.
Fun Fact: Ornamental kale and cabbage are hardy, fitting beautifully into winter gardens. Delicate, ruffled foliage adds texture and interest to outdoor arrangements. They are a great way to mix up the usual Christmas color palette.
9. Ivy and Trailing Plants
Trailing plants is another great way to create your whimsical, storybook feel for Christmas. Frame the doorways, drape down over railings, and make hanging baskets.
Creative idea: Wrap ivy and fairy lights around archways, making for a dramatic, eye-catching entrance that will leave your guests speechless. Ivy's enduring greenery represents fidelity and eternity, making it meaningful for your holiday setup. Use it along with ribbons and bows to achieve the romantic look of the Christmas holidays. Now, we know that trailing houseplants make the perfect starter plant.
10. Camellias
Camellias are popular for delicate flowers. Camellias have a natural feel for the holiday season with shades from snowy white to deep red.
Care Tip: Camellias love partial shade and well-drained soil, so prepare the space for them in advance. Their grace transcends the seasons and perfectly fits old and new Christmas themes. They can be used as garden bed centerpieces or fillers in big pots.
