Celebrations Holidays & Occasions Christmas

25 Popular Christmas Flowers and Plants to Ring in the Season With Color

There are several flowers, bushes, and trees that make for the perfect Christmas plants. There are plenty of vibrant plants to choose from, from fiery poinsettias to the iconic mistletoe and holly plants that provide a nod to the classic Christmas palette.

If you want these plants to last through the holidays and beyond, it's important to know their specific care requirements. Here are 25 plants to help you enjoy the holiday season and some tips about their care.

poinsettias

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Our Best Tips for Christmas Plant Care

These holiday plants vary widely in both appearance and care requirements. Some are small and can be kept as potted plants indoors, while others are tall trees and shrubs requiring a roomy garden spot. They all give off a festive aesthetic as living decorations during the winter season, whether they naturally bloom this time of year or can be coaxed out with the right conditions.

  • 01 of 25

    Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

    poinsettia on a table

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    Subtropical plants native to Mexico, poinsettias have evolved into a symbol of Christmas because of their festive red and green colors. Also, the shape of the poinsettia flower is said to symbolize the star of Bethlehem.

    Be sure not to overwater poinsettias, as they are susceptible to root rot. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry, and make sure the container has adequate drainage. Also, poinsettias need lots of bright, filtered sunlight so they don't grow leggy.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
    • Sun Exposure: Partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
  • 02 of 25

    Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)

    Norfolk Island Pine plants

    The Spruce / Helen Norman

    Norfolk Island pine is not a true pine but is a subtropical conifer that prefers a little humidity; it does well as a houseplant as long as its moisture needs are met. It's sometimes used as an indoor Christmas tree; although it does not look like other conifers, it has more spaced-out billowy branches.

    When indoors, it prefers bright light. It tends to lean toward the light, so turn it from time to time so its trunk remains straight. It can't handle heavy ornaments, so consider that limitation if planning to make it your primary holiday tree.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
    • Sun Exposure: Full, partial
    • Soil Needs: Sandy, acidic
  • 03 of 25

    Holly (Ilex opaca)

    holly

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    Holly bushes always stay green and need little to no maintenance, even during the harshest winters. Its branches are filled with bright red berries around Christmastime, perfect for decking the halls. In ancient times, holly was considered good luck because it never died so people would send holly wreaths to friends and family.

    Make sure you plant it in well-draining soil, as holly doesn’t tolerate waterlogging. Also, the soil must be acidic, as an alkaline soil pH can cause the leaves to turn yellow.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Moist, acidic, well-drained
  • 04 of 25

    Mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum)

    mistletoe

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

    It's tradition to kiss under the mistletoe during the holidays. The foliage is evergreen, and female plants will produce many white berries. Mistletoe plants require very little care, but you must start with a healthy, established host tree.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
    • Sun Exposure: Partial shade
    • Soil Needs: N/A
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  • 05 of 25

    Yew (Taxus spp.)

    yew shrub

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    With their vivid red berries and evergreen foliage, yew shrubs are slow-growing and low-maintenance plants. They can be used as an alternative Christmas tree, and their sprigs make lovely natural holiday decorations.

    Sharp soil drainage is critical for growing yews. Beyond that, they don’t need much besides potentially annual fertilization and pruning for shape.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 10 (depends on variety)
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
  • 06 of 25

    Ivy (Hedera helix)

    English ivy

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Ivy, with its festive star-like leaves, is another Christmas plant that symbolizes new growth and brings good luck by warding off evil spirits. Ivy is a popular way to decorate Christmas wreaths and keeps green throughout the year.

    Ivy has a vigorous growth habit, so much of your care might involve pruning it back to where you want it. You also can provide it with a structure for vertical growth.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 13
    • Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
  • 07 of 25

    Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

    A Douglas fir Christmas tree farm

    arlutz73 / Getty Images

    Many people opt for a Douglas fir to be their Christmas tree. These dark green-needled evergreens can grow several stories high in the wild and bear around 5-inch cones. They have a reasonably tight pyramidal shape, which allows them to tuck nicely into a corner like a Christmas tree. When planting, make sure you allow plenty of space. Also, ensure that the soil remains moist but not soggy.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 6
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
  • 08 of 25

    Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)

    Christmas cactus

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    The Christmas cactus is an unexpected plant for the holiday season, lacking the common evergreen needles and bright red berries. However, its colorful flowers bloom during Christmastime, coming in shades of pink to red.

    Unlike many succulents, this tropical plant needs a fair amount of water to remain healthy; water whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12
    • Sun Exposure: Partial sun
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
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  • 09 of 25

    Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

    Colorado blue spruce

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    Blue spruce is another popular Christmas tree variety. It has a nice pyramidal shape with branches that bear green, blue-green, or silver-green needles. It also has a lovely, fresh, evergreen scent.

    Many use blue spruce boughs in wreaths and other decorations for their natural beauty and aroma. Maintenance is minimal for these trees. Mulching around the base (but not right up against the trunk) can help to retain soil moisture.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, acidic, well-drained
  • 10 of 25

    Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

    Pink amaryllis flowers

    Rikuo Natsuume / Getty Images

    Amaryllis flowers are commonly grown as winter houseplants to add a pop of color to gray winter days. The plants take about six weeks after the bulbs are planted to flower. So plant in November if you want blooms around Christmastime.

    The trumpet-shaped blooms come in reds, pinks, and whites. As the plant is growing and flowering, water whenever the top 2 inches of soil become dry.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 10
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
  • 11 of 25

    Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus)

    Paperwhite flowers

    Nathan Blaney/Photodisc / Getty Images

    Paperwhites are another popular flower to grow indoors over the winter. They feature clusters of small, fragrant, snowy white blooms atop tall green stems. All you have to do is put the bulbs in a container of water and gravel and wait for them to sprout.

    They take about four to six weeks from planting to blooming, so plan to start them in November for a Christmas bloom. As roots begin to develop, move the container to a sunny window.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
  • 12 of 25

    Pear Tree (Pyrus communis)

    Pear tree with fruit

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    You might not have a partridge, but you can grow a pear tree. There are early, mid-season, and late-season varieties of pear trees, which can extend your harvest into late fall and sometimes even winter, depending on the climate. Their late harvest is why pears are often seen in holiday dishes.

    Pear trees are generally medium-sized trees at around 30 feet tall, though there are dwarf varieties. They bear fragrant flowers that give way to the fruits. Pear trees are susceptible to disease in warm and wet weather, so ensure there’s good airflow around them and that you don’t overwater to the point where the soil is soggy.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, well-drained
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  • 13 of 25

    Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)

    Balsam fir tree with dense gray-green needles on branches in wooded area

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    The balsam fir is the quintessential Christmas tree. It has a strong evergreen scent, deep blue-green needles, and a beautiful conical form. It also has good needle retention, making it ideal for wreaths too. Good soil drainage is necessary for growing balsam firs.

    Add mulch around the base to help retain moisture. Young trees need roughly weekly deep watering, but established trees only need water during prolonged periods of drought.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, acidic, well-drained
  • 14 of 25

    Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis)

    Close up of western pine cones and needles

     Syntheticmessiah / Getty Images

    Juniper plants are associated with Christmas thanks to their evergreen needles. They also boast a lovely fragrance. There are wide varieties of juniper that range from low-growing ground covers to shrubs and trees. Some people even use them as Christmas trees.

    Care is minimal for juniper. Young plants require evenly moist but not soggy soil, and they might need staking until they’re established to ensure they grow upright. But mature plants mostly care for themselves.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, sandy, well-drained
  • 15 of 25

    Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

    Closeup of rosemary

    The Spruce / Randi Rhoades

    Rosemary is a frost-sensitive plant, but it's become associated with Christmas due to people trimming it into a Christmas tree-shaped topiary. Rosemary Christmas trees look like mini fir trees, thanks to their green-needled foliage. And they smell divine.

    Ensure that your rosemary has good drainage, and don't water until the top few inches of soil have dried out. They like at least six hours of direct sun per day, so you might need to add grow lights indoors if you don't have a bright enough window.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 to 10
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun
    • Soil Needs: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
  • 16 of 25

    Yuletide Camellia (Camellia Sasanqua 'Yuletide')

    Camellia shrub

    The Spruce / Kara Riley 

    Camellia is an evergreen shrub with an oval to pyramidal shape that reaches roughly 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. It features dark green foliage and bears flowers in the winter in some climates. The Yuletide variety in particular has bright red blooms that look especially festive for the Christmas season.

    Plan to fertilize annually in the spring to keep your plant vigorous, and prune as needed after flowering for size and shape.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 9
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained
    Continue to 17 of 25 below
  • 17 of 25

    Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)

    Winter Honeysuckle
    Hsvrs/Getty Images

    Winter honeysuckle is a delight in the winter garden, contrasting the drab, gray overcast days with snow-white or cream-colored flowers. It blooms during the winter giving off a pleasant, sweetly fragrant scent. It also features dark green evergreen leaves and small bright red berries.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
    • Sun Exposure: Full, partial
    • Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil; chalk, clay, loam, or sand
  • 18 of 25

    Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)

    potted cyclamen plants

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    Cyclamen are popular holiday plants for their beautiful blooms that emerge over the holidays. They make lovely table centerpiece plants. This plant prefers cooler temperatures for blooming its butterfly-like petals in white, pink, or red. If kept cool, they can bloom for six months or longer.

    It sports silver-frosted leaves. It can't handle warmer temperatures, going dormant during the summer. This perennial rebounds year after year with abundant blooms.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
    • Sun Exposure: Partial
    • Soil Needs: Loamy, moist, well-drained, acidic
  • 19 of 25

    Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

    phalaenopsis orchids on a table

    The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

    Moth orchids are among the most beautiful of flowers, delicate and elegant; they're popular holiday gifts. Once you learn how to keep them, you'll have them blooming in the winter and year-round. Their unique roots only need water once a week and can be kept soilless. Don't let it get cold; make sure it has bright, indirect light, and give it some humidity to see it thrive and live for years.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 12
    • Sun Exposure: Partial
    • Soil Needs: Coarse tree bark, coarse sphagnum peat, and moss; water culture
  • 20 of 25

    Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

    Potted gardenia with white blossoms

    Jonelle Weaver/The Image Bank / Getty Images

    Gardenias are among the most fragrant flowers and are popular as potted holiday plants. The species G. thunbergia (wild gardenia) also blooms throughout the winter. They are tender evergreen shrubs with shiny, dark-green leaves native to the tropics. If you live in warmer, humid regions, plant them in the fall or spring in a partial sun location.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 11
    • Sun Exposure: Partial
    • Soil Needs: Rich, well-drained soil, peat-based potting mix in containers
    Continue to 21 of 25 below
  • 21 of 25

    Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

    Wintergreen plant with dark green leaves and bright red berries hanging closeup

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Wintergreen keeps color in your landscape throughout the winter with minty, glossy green leaves and bright red edible berries. It thrives in cooler climates but can be brought inside for the winter as a low-mounding potted plant, sporting its classic Christmas colors that make it a perfect table centerpiece.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
    • Sun Exposure: Partial
    • Soil Needs: Low nutrient, good drainage, acidic
  • 22 of 25

    Hellebore (Helleborus niger)

    Hellebore plants with purple flowers and green stems

    The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

    Helleborus niger is also known as the Christmas rose since it flowers in winter; although it's not in the rose family, it's a buttercup. This evergreen plant is like a poinsettia, with leaves resembling petals. Its flowers last long, giving a barren winter landscape a beautiful gift. It prefers shade, and deer and rabbits avoid it as an extra perk.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
    • Sun Exposure: Partial
    • Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
  • 23 of 25

    Azaleas

    Bush of pink azaleas

    davelogan / Getty Images

    While you may associate azaleas with spring and summer, they do relatively well through the winter. There is even an aptly named type called the Christmas Cheer azalea that produces stunning pink and red blooms and has green leaves, perfectly embodying the traditional Christmas color palette.

    Azaleas have plenty of growth potential (some can grow up to 20 feet tall), making them a more permanent festive fixture. While not many bloom during winter, quite a few varieties have colorful foliage, like the Autumn Amethyst and Autumn Fire.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun (or partial in hot climates)
    • Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic soil
  • 24 of 25

    Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.)

    Snowdrop flowers in a cluster by a fallen leaf

    Maria Katona / 500px / Getty Images

    These frosty bunches of flowers feature a bright white bloom and green leaves, making them a gorgeous addition to any landscape. Although their growth signifies the end of winter, their name and color are reminiscent of the holiday period.

    There are several interesting variations of the plant, including Galanthus elwesii, a supersized version that's a few inches taller, and Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno,' which has flowers with double the petals.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
    • Sun Exposure: Sun and partial shade
    • Soil Needs: Well-drained with humus
    Continue to 25 of 25 below
  • 25 of 25

    Anthurium

    Anthurium plant in white pot on wooden table

    OKrasyuk / Getty Images

    With its impossible-to-miss shiny red spathe and bright green leaves, the anthurium is another ideal Christmas plant option. Perfectly pottable for houseplant fans, this gift can last for up to five years (and longer with propagation). It likes bright light, especially in the winter and offers a splash of color during the most dreary months.

    • USDA Hardiness Zones: 11 to 12
    • Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
    • Soil Needs: Moist but not soaking wet
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Euphorbia pulcherrima. NC State Extension.

  2. Araucaria heterophylla. NC State Extension.

  3. Ilex opaca. NC State Extension.

  4. Phoradendron leucarpum. NC State Extension.

  5. Taxus (Yew). NC State Extension.

  6. Hedera helix. NC State Extension.

  7. Pseudotsuga menziesii. NC State Extension.

  8. Schlumbergera x buckleyi. NC State Extension.

  9. Picea pungens. NC State Extension.

  10. Hippeastrum. NC State Extension.

  11. Forcing paperwhites for holiday decor. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

  12. Pyrus communis. NC State Extension.

  13. Abies balsamea. NC State Extension.

  14. Juniperus occidentalis. Plants for a Future.

  15. Salvia rosmarinus. NC State Extension.

  16. Camellia sasanqua. NC State Extension.

  17. Lonicera fragrantissima. NC State Extension.

  18. Cyclamen persicum. NC State Extension.

  19. Gardenia jasminoides. NC State Extension.
  20. Gaultheria procumbens. NC State Extension.

  21. Helleborus niger. NC State Extension.

  22. Rhododendron. NC State Extension.

  23. Galanthus elwesii. NC State Extension.

  24. Anthurium andraeanum. Missouri Botanical Garden.