December 19, 2022, 4:19 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Christmas flowers are as much a part of the holidays for many as homemade cookies and gifts. They bring atmosphere and the classic Christmas colors like green, red, and white into homes. What Christmas flowers are there? And how do you care for them properly?
In many households, the right floral decorations are a must for Christmas decor. They also make great small gifts. myHOMEBOOK presents popular types of Christmas flowers for indoors and outdoors and explains their significance.
1. Poinsettia – the typical Christmas flower
The star among Christmas flowers is certainly the poinsettia. It’s not the flowers that captivate you, but the colorful bracts of the plant, often mistaken for flowers, with their bright red stars. They come in various shades of red and pink, as well as white, yellow, and cream. The poinsettia originates from the tropical forests of Central America. Its name there: Flower of the Holy Night. It can grow as a stately, bushy, evergreen shrub up to four meters tall. The mini version decorates homes here in festive red as an eye-catching gift, often adorned with gold glitter.
If you want to enjoy the poinsettia beyond Advent and the holidays, provide it with humus-rich soil, a bright location, normal room temperature without drafts, regular watering, and weekly fertilization. Then, this spurge plant might display its red leaves even until Easter. In spring, pruning is recommended, and from May, the plant thrives outdoors in a pot or bed. In fall, it can reclaim its old spot indoors.
2. Christmas Rose – a Christmas flower for outdoors
Its connection to Christmas is evident from its name. For centuries, the winter bloomer has been said to possess magical powers: The Christmas rose, with its white winter petals, stands as a Christmas symbol of hope. Legends tell of it sprouting from the tears of a shepherd. However, despite its current popularity, the Christmas rose is not a houseplant and should only be kept indoors briefly.
It originally comes from the Alpine region. Therefore, it should be placed in a cool room, as it cannot tolerate warmth, waterlogging, or excessive watering. It might be an idea to let it grace the festive table for a few hours. Afterward, it should be placed in a cool spot or outside as soon as possible. Then, this charming Christmas plant can continue to shine festively on the terrace or balcony.
Related: How to properly care for and fertilize Christmas roses
3. Holly – the symbolic Christmas flower
The English love it: the evergreen, glossy leaves of the holly. This shrub is also known as Ilex, and its bright red berries adorn wreaths on doors and windows or as garlands on the mantelpiece.
Related: Holly is the Tree of the Year 2021
Holly is a plant full of symbolism: Its spiky leaves represent the crown of thorns, and the red berries symbolize blood drops. The Celts even hung holly branches in their homes on the evening of the winter solstice for protection. The branches of Ilex, combined with other plants, create a festive look and are suitable for crafting and decorating, though both leaves and berries are toxic.
Blooming Alternatives to the Poinsettia
These 7 Winter-Blooming Houseplants Add Color to the Dark Season
4. Christmas Cactus – an exotic alternative
A retro plant that is once again shining in many living rooms at Christmas: the Christmas cactus. Schlumbergera, its Latin name, is unremarkable throughout the year but impresses at the right time with its opulent blooms. The cactus originates from the tropical rainforests of Brazil, hence its striking flowers in red, coral, pink, yellow, or white.
The Christmas cactus requires little care, preferring flower or cactus soil, consistent moisture, and a bright, room-temperature spot. It dislikes waterlogging, direct sunlight, or a location above the heater. In September, the countdown to Christmas begins with a rest period: minimal water and ideally temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, encouraging bud formation.
5. Amaryllis
The Amaryllis originally comes from southern Africa. In contrast, the Hippeastrum, known here as Amaryllis, comes from South America. Since the 18th century, Amaryllis has been present in our regions and, with its impressive petals, is a classic Christmas plant. With proper care, it blooms not only during the Christmas season. How to care for this tropical beauty can be found in this article.