Christmas Plants

Loving Christmas for Christmas inspiration

I love the Christmas season, so it is no surprise that seasonal Christmas plants play a part in my celebrations. In a way, we bring our gardens inside during this holiday more than any other. We cut pine branches and holly, make garlands, and wreaths, surround candles, ornament mantles, with all sorts of natural reminders of the outdoors. With Christmas plants however, we have particular elements of the garden for living color and scent.

Poinsettia

What plant makes you think of Christmas (besides the Christmas tree, of course)? I know for me, it is the poinsettia. Hybridizers have made the poinsettia an interior decoration diva.
There are so many color variations now, purple, red-orange, pink,white, as well as the traditional bright Christmas red varieties are available. I’ve even seen spotted and
striped.. as well as the unusual colors, an example of what’s available, here.
How to care for your holiday poinsettias?

• indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day,direct sun should be avoided.
• room temperatures between 68 – 70° F.
• water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. (don’t let it wilt, or the lower leaves drop.)
• protect your plant between store your home -keep tightly closed in a large bag

Chilies or Ornamental Peppers

Chile plants, with their vibrant colors and spicy edible peppers, are turning up the heat on traditional holiday plants in greenhouses and on nursery shelves -Albuquerque Tribune

I’ve been adding the ornamental peppers to my summer containers, so I can attest to their attractiveness. It has been a longstanding tradition for Southwest American homes to use the brightly colored chilies in garlands and ornaments, so for a Tex Mex theme these plants are good for anytime of the year. They are a bit newer to those in the North, but could be a very welcome sight with their beautiful color.

If you wanted to grow your own (which is very easy from seed) the time frame for beginning would be during July in the summer months, but thankfully those in the plant trade will have some ready for this year, and if you like them you can plan next years holiday plants with your own “Christmas in July” preparations.

Read on for Rosemary trees, Christmas Cactus, and Norfolk Pines

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