Holiday Plants Perfect for a Festive Decor Update

Mums, asters, and pansies are popular during the fall season, but soon it will be time to deck the halls with festive flowers. From the classic poinsettias and mistletoe to nontraditional favorites such as amaryllis, there are plenty of plants to make your home merry this holiday season.

Poinsettia

It's the flower of Christmas. And you will soon notice scores of them in stores. The bright flowers adorn news sets, hotel, hospital, and office lobbies and churches in December. And what’s not to like? There are more than 100 varieties available. The flowers add a pop of color to your home or office while helping to uplift moods during the holidays.

Holly

Transform your home this holiday season with holly. The bright red berries are a Christmas classic with a rich history. You can use holly leaves and berries to decorate presents, to make holiday wreaths, and they're festive in tablescapes. 

Thanksgiving Cactus

Not as popular as the poinsettia, but the Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus is a must-have this holiday season. It begins blooming around Thanksgiving and produces festive white, pink, red, peach, orange, or purple flowers. Experts at Michigan State University say don’t let the “cactus” in the name of the plant fool you. Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus’ thrive in moisture and light, not hot, dry conditions.

Amaryllis 

Amaryllis is a winter-blooming- plant, which is sure to be a hit with your holiday guests. The blooms will brighten any room in your home and continue blooming long after the holidays are over.

Roses

The holidays are a time of hustle and bustle. Everyone is busy trying to get through the season. But now and again, it is nice to slow down and smell the roses. Yes, roses. Who says roses are just for Valentine’s Day? You can place a mixture of red and white roses in a vase for a side table, or add cranberries, pinecones, and acorns to give a more wintry look to centerpieces. Adding roses to holiday wreaths will also add elegance. Given the vast variety of colors, the possibilities are endless.

Christmas Rose 

Despite its name, the Christmas rose is not part of the rose family. But it's popular in Europe and considered a holiday plant thanks to European legend. It one of those rare plants that bloom in colder temperatures, providing colors through the dreary winter months of January and February.

Mistletoe

It wouldn’t be the holidays without a kiss under the mistletoe. Smooching under the mistletoe is a popular holiday tradition dating back to the 1700s. The plant is a fun addition to holiday parties because you never know which two people will get caught under it at the same time and pucker up!

Oh Christmas Tree 

The Christmas tree is your most important holiday plant! This is the plant that sets the holiday mood. Whether you buy a pre-cut tree from a Christmas tree lot, or your family makes the trek to a Christmas tree farm to cut down your tree, there is nothing like it. If you want to be eco-friendly, buy a potted tree and plant it in the backyard after the holidays. A freshly cut tree just smells like the holidays. And once it's decorated with twinkly lights and ornaments, it is a beauty to gaze upon.

If you are ready to start decking the halls in November, many of your plants will thrive through the season, as long as you provide the right care.

Rachael Baihn is an avid gardener, both indoors and in her backyard sanctuary. She can often be found exploring nature off the beaten track or enjoying the company of local neighborhood dogs.