In the dark and dreary winter, fresh flowers and live plants can help brighten the winter table. Perhaps this is why there are many blossoms associated with the Christmas holiday despite their tendency to not grow in cold climes. This holiday season, consider incorporating more of these beautiful blooms in your décor to help make your celebrations merry and bright.
Poinsettias
You guessed it! The penultimate holiday flower is, of course, the potted poinsettia. What would a Christmas spread be without this beautiful holiday centerpiece? Poinsettias can be quite diverse and are available in several colors. From understated white to delicate pink to rich red, there’s sure to be a color that whets your appetite. In addition, when properly cared for, poinsettias can last for several months after the holiday season, continuing to be a bright spot for your work desk or kitchen table. Just make sure to keep them moist and out of cold drafts.
Amaryllis
Though not as widely distributed as the poinsettia, amaryllis is still a sought-after bloom come the holidays. Perhaps favored for its trumpet-like shape that seems to announce the holidays with gusto, amaryllis is available in a wide variety of colors. Though red is most common during the holiday season, a more thorough search will reveal varieties in white, pink, and orange. Additionally, amaryllis blossoms can also be found with striped or speckled petals, adding to their visual appeal.
Christmas Cactus
Though a desert plant may seem an odd pairing for the winter holidays, the Christmas cactus remains a cold season favorite. Though the popular belief that these cacti bloom but once a year around Christmas isn’t always true—most will bloom closer to the Thanksgiving season—these lovely plants can still provide your home with fresh colors. Blooms dangle from cactus leaves almost as if adorning the plant with ornaments or bells, both of which evoke traditional holiday decorations.
Holly
While not technically a flower, holly is another popular Christmas plant that can be displayed alone or as an accent to other decorations. Holly’s association with the holidays actually predates Christianity and comes from the druids, who used the plant to represent everlasting life. As Christianity became more widespread, the plant and its symbolism migrated to the Christmas holiday because of the holiday’s celebration of Jesus’ birth and his covenant of eternal life. Today, most holly decorations are not sold as live plants, but going the extra mile to obtain fresh holly, with its lovely contrast of bright red and dark green, can add a special touch to your holiday décor.
Mistletoe
This is another plant that isn’t a flower, but what would a list of popular holiday plants be without including this well-known decoration? Another adoption from the druids, mistletoe is especially fun because of the tradition associated with it. Even school children seem to know that standing under the mistletoe will garner you a kiss. Like holly, mistletoe is less frequently used fresh, though fresh mistletoe can be found. Tie a few sprigs together with red ribbon to hand from doorways or entryways to add a little excitement to your holiday get together.
Conclusion
Decorating for the holidays is a surefire way to get you pumped for all the holiday season has to offer. Liven up any Christmas centerpiece or display with poinsettias or amaryllis. Branch out a little and purchase a Christmas cactus, and don’t forget to include traditional holly and mistletoe as your spruce up the house. When buying holiday blooms, be sure to inspect each to make sure you’re getting a healthy plant, and follow care instructions to keep your holiday arrangements fresher for longer. The prevalence of these blooms and plants during the holiday season makes them easy to find, and you will find that
these time-honored icons will enhance all your holiday festivities.
Disclosure: Article courtesy of Pro Flowers
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