As the holiday season approaches, you may seek to bring a touch of nature into your home and gardens. Christmas plants are exactly what you’re looking for. From popular options like Poinsettias and Christmas Cactus to hardy outdoor Christmas plants such as English Holly and Evergreens, numerous plants and flowers can survive in the chilly season.
In this post, we’ll recommend 10+ outdoor Christmas plants to help you create a joyful and vibrant holiday atmosphere. Keep reading and find out 10+ Christmas flowers other than Poinsettias.
Table of Contents
Can I Plant a Christmas Plant Outside?
Yes, a Christmas tree can be kept outside. To plant a Christmas plant outside, you should choose the right type of trees or flowers that can withstand cold outside conditions. For example, you can choose to grow a spruce or fir. Besides, you should consider the following factors.
- Protect your tree from extreme cold weather. Heavy snow and ice can damage branches, while high winds might topple them. If you're living in an extremely cold area, consider using a plant heater to keep your outdoor Christmas flowers warm.
- If it’s a live Christmas plant or flower, keep it watered to prevent it from drying out, especially when it’s in a pot.
- If you decorate the tree with lights, ensure the lights or ornaments can withstand moisture.
- Place the Christmas plants in a sheltered location, away from direct wind and harsh weather. This will prolong their lives.
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10+ Christmas Plants and Flowers for Outside
With a wide variety of options available, Christmas plants can transform your garden, patio, or entryway into a winter wonderland. With relatively low maintenance and care, these Christmas plants and flowers can thrive in winter for several months. From the classic Poinsettias to the charming Christmas roses, these plants can not only add color but also bring delightful scents to evoke the warmth of the Christmas season.
1. Poinsettias
Poinsettia is regarded as one of the best outdoor Christmas plants due to its vibrant red and green foliage. Thriving in warmer climates, these plants can be planted outdoors where the winter is mild. Normally, these tropical plants thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, where they can grow up to 10-15 feet tall. As they require well-draining, slightly acidic soil and a sunny location protected from harsh winds, they are ideal for festive outdoor decorations. With proper poinsettia care, you can maintain their colorful bracts for several weeks, extending the holiday cheer.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Poinsettias
2. Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus is an exceptional outdoor Christmas plant due to its vibrant Christmas Cactus bloom and adaptability to warmer climates. Native to the Brazilian rainforest, this succulent thrives in shaded, humid environments, making it well-suited for outdoor settings in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. Typically, it blooms during the holiday season and has different colors such as pink, red, and white. Moreover, it is relatively easy to care for Christmas cactus in winter as it requires bright indirect light and moderate watering.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Christmas Cactus
3. Thanksgiving Cactus
Known for its stunning flowers that come in shades of red, pink, and white, this tropical cactus brings a festive touch to winter gardens. Often blooming from late fall through the holiday season, Thanksgiving Cactus can thrive outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and above. It can stimulate bud formation to tolerate cooler temperatures.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Thanksgiving Cactus
Additionally, the plant’s unique segmented leaves and ability to bloom profusely create a striking visual display, making it not only a beautiful addition to outdoor spaces but also a symbol of holiday cheer that can brighten any winter landscape.
4. Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees are celebrated as the best outdoor Christmas plants due to their year-round vibrancy and essential ecological benefits. These hardy trees include varieties like spruce, fir, and pine and can maintain their lush green foliage throughout the winter. In winter, they can serve as natural windbreaks, protecting homes from harsh winter winds and offering privacy and shelter for wildlife. Additionally, Evergreens can be adored with lights and ornaments to spread festive cheer in outdoor settings so that they’re perfect for holiday decoration. Beyond aesthetics, these trees will contribute to air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. In a nutshell, not only can Evergreens beautify outdoor spaces but also support environmental health throughout the colder months.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Evergreen Trees
5. English Holly
English Holly is a traditional Christmas plant. This evergreen shrub features glossy, dark green leaves with spiny edges and vibrant red berries. Traditionally associated with Christmas, the English Holly symbolizes hope and renewal. Its dense foliage not only provides visual interest but also serves as a habitat for wildlife, offering shelter for birds and food during the harsh winter months. With relatively low maintenance, you can easily grow these plants outdoors.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - English Holly
6. Christmas Rose
Christmas Rose, or Helleborus niger, is an outstanding Xmas plant outdoor. This hardy perennial has large, bowl-shaped white flowers that emerge around Christmas time in milder climates. Thriving in partial shade, it is ideal for planting beneath deciduous trees, where it can enjoy winter sunlight while being sheltered from summer heat. As a low-maintenance plant in winter, it can thrive as long as you keep them moist. Beyond its visual appeal, this plant is also beneficial for local wildlife, attracting pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. With its enchanting blooms and resilience, Christmas Rose truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season while enhancing outdoor spaces with lasting beauty.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Christmas Rose
7. Amaryllis
Amaryllis is popular with its stunning large blooms as it can provide a vibrant splash of color throughout winter months. Its flowers can range from deep reds to whites and pinks, which makes it an ideal choice for winter holiday decorations. It's relatively easy to grow and care for this bulbous plant. As long as you offer plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, it can flourish even in a cooler environment. Additionally, Amaryllis can be planted outdoors in warmer climates after the threat of frost has passed. In this situation, it can keep a long-lasting display and continue to bloom well into the new year.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Amaryllis
8. Paperwhites
Paperwhites, or Narcissus species, are considered to be one of the best outdoor Christmas plants. These hardy bulbs thrive in warmer climates and can be planted outdoors in sheltered spots. Additionally, their sweet scent will add a festive aroma to outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall holiday atmosphere while supporting local pollinators during the winter months.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Paperwhites
9. Christmas Box
With a delightful contrast against the cold landscape, Christmas Box’s fragrant white flowers that bloom in winter can well match the atmosphere of winter holidays. This hardy shrub thrives in shaded areas and is ideal for planting beneath trees or in less sunny spots where other plants might struggle. Moreover, its glossy leaves and sweetly scented flowers can attract pollinators during the winter months. Its ability to maintain vibrant greenery throughout the winter while offering seasonal blooms makes it a standout choice for adding charm and cheer to outdoor spaces during the holiday season.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Christmas Box
10. Winter Jasmine
Winter Jasmine is celebrated as one of the best outdoor Christmas plants because of its yellow blooms from December to March. This hardy shrub thrives in various conditions and grows in full sun or partial shade. It has a unique flowering habit that its blossoms always appear on bare stems before the leaves emerge. While the flowers lack fragrance, their vibrant color serves as a beacon of cheer amid the winter gloom, offering a sense of hope and renewal. Additionally, Winter Jasmine is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, which makes it ideal for gardeners to maintain and care for.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Winter Jasmine
11. Snowdrop
Snowdrops often bloom as early as January while snow still blankets the ground. Famous for their resilience, these charming white flowers symbolize hope and renewal. Over time, the stunning carpets of white can enhance the aesthetic of the winter garden. Beyond their visual appeal, snowdrops also carry medicinal properties; they contain galantamine, which is used in treating Alzheimer's disease, further underscoring their significance in both nature and human health. Their early bloom is like a reminder that life persists and beauty can emerge even in the coldest months.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Snowdrop
12. Azaleas
Indoor Azaleas can add a burst of color to winter gardens and festive displays. These flowering shrubs are known for their abundant clusters of flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Typically, Azaleas grow indoors, though, they can be planted outdoors in milder climates as long as they’re in well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade. They can bloom during the winter months. In most cases, they can withstand temperatures down to about 20°F to 30°F (-6°C to -1°C). Some evergreen varieties can even struggle at temperatures below 25°F (-4°C), especially if they are young or not well-established.
Outdoor Christmas Plants - Azaleas
How Long Do Christmas Plants Last?
Christmas plants like Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, and Amaryllis can last from a few weeks to several months. Typically, Poinsettias last about 6 to 8 weeks with proper watering and light, while Christmas Cactus can thrive for years if maintained in suitable conditions. Amaryllis bulbs usually bloom for about 4 to 6 weeks, but with proper care, the plant can continue to grow and bloom again in subsequent years. Overall, with the right environment and care, many Christmas plants can thrive beyond the holiday season.
How to Keep Christmas Plants Alive?
Most of the recommended outdoor Christmas plants can be kept with low maintenance and care. As long as ensure they receive appropriate light, water, and temperature, you can easily keep these Christmas plants alive. For Poinsettias, place them in bright, indirect sunlight and water when the soil feels dry. Christmas Cactus thrive in bright, indirect light with thorough watering when the top inch of soil is dry. Amaryllis needs bright, indirect light and you can water them when the topsoil dries out. Finally, regularly fertilizing during the growing season, pruning after blooming, and repotting when necessary will help your Christmas plants flourish throughout the season and beyond.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating outdoor Christmas plants into your holiday decor can transform your garden into a colorful wonderland. From the classic beauty of Poinsettias to the stunning elegance of Evergreen, these plants can bring seasonal cheer and vitality to your outdoor space.
