30 Christmas Flowers and Plants to Brighten Your Home and Garden

Christmas flowers and plants like poinsettias, Christmas cactus, holly, and amaryllis bring festive charm to the season. Their vibrant colors, lush greenery, and seasonal blooms create a warm, joyful atmosphere.

Christmas Flowers, Poinsettia, Amaryllis, Hellebore,

Christmas flowers are an integral part of the festive season, adding color, warmth, and charm to holiday celebrations. With their vibrant hues and symbolic meanings, these flowers capture the essence of Christmas, creating a cozy and joyful atmosphere. From classic poinsettias to fragrant evergreens, Christmas flowers are perfect for decorating homes, gifting loved ones, or enhancing table centerpieces during holiday feasts.

Classic Christmas Blooms
The poinsettia is perhaps the most iconic Christmas flower, renowned for its striking red and green foliage that perfectly embodies the holiday spirit. Originating in Mexico, this vibrant plant has become a global symbol of Christmas. Amaryllis, with its large, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, white, or pink, is another favorite, adding elegance to seasonal décor. Paperwhite narcissus, with their delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance, bring a touch of grace to any setting.

Seasonal Greenery
Evergreens like holly, mistletoe, and ivy are traditional Christmas staples. Holly’s glossy leaves and bright red berries are a timeless decoration, symbolizing hope and renewal. Mistletoe, often hung above doorways, is steeped in folklore and romantic tradition, while ivy’s trailing vines add a natural, rustic touch to wreaths and garlands.

Winter Favorites for Color
Cyclamen, Christmas cactus, and hellebores (often called the “Christmas Rose”) are beloved winter bloomers that thrive during the colder months. Their colorful blooms offer a welcome contrast to the gray winter landscape and make excellent potted plants or holiday gifts.

Christmas flowers are more than just decorations; they symbolize love, hope, and the joy of togetherness. Whether displayed as part of elaborate arrangements or simple bouquets, these blooms infuse homes with the festive spirit, making the holiday season truly magical.

Guide Information

Genus	Abies, Camellia, Chaenomeles, Cyclamen, Euphorbia, Gardenia, Hamamelis, Helleborus, Hippeastrum, Ilex, Kalanchoe, Lonicera, Narcissus, Phalaenopsis, Picea
Season of Interest	Winter

Christmas Flowers and Plants: Bringing Holiday Cheer to Your Home

Schlumbergera × buckleyi (Christmas Cactus)

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom in winter. Unlike desert cacti, it originates from Brazilian rainforests and prefers humid conditions. Its segmented, flat stems and pendulous habit make it a unique and festive addition to indoor settings.

Hardiness	10 - 12
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia)

Poinsettias, beloved Christmas adornments, are deciduous to semi-evergreen shrubs. They dazzle with red, pink, or cream leafy bracts, blooming from winter to spring. Delicate yellow flowers grace the bract centers, enhancing their charm. Opt for bracts with minimal yellow pollen to ensure longevity. These Mexico natives require a steady 55ºF (18ºC) temperature for vibrant hues due to their frost sensitivity. Poinsettias, with ovate, toothed leaves, thrive as potted plants. Dominating holiday décor, they reign as top-selling potted plants with 100+ varieties.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	3' - 10' (90cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 7' (90cm - 210cm)

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Florist Kalanchoe)

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Kathy) is a beloved, award-winning evergreen succulent with thick, shiny, dark green leaves. It is cherished for its vibrant, large clusters of dainty blooms in soft pastel colors or brilliant shades of red, orange, pink, or yellow. While commonly used as a houseplant, it can also thrive outdoors with frost protection. It flowers approximately every 6 months, with blooms lasting for 6 weeks or more.

Hardiness	10 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Spread	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)

Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen)

Gaultheria procumbens, known as Wintergreen, is an award-winning, low-growing evergreen shrub. It features lustrous leaves that turn reddish in winter and release a wintergreen scent when crushed. Summer brings nodding, bell-shaped white or pink flowers, followed by edible scarlet berries, which persist through winter, providing food for wildlife. This vigorous plant spreads to form an attractive ground cover, ideal for shady areas.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3" - 6" (8cm - 15cm)

Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine)

Araucaria heterophylla, commonly known as the Norfolk Island Pine, is a majestic evergreen with tiered branches and soft, needle-like leaves, ideal for adding a touch of elegance indoors. While it mimics a traditional Christmas tree in appearance, it thrives year-round as a houseplant, purifying the air and requiring minimal care.

Hardiness	9 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	100' - 200' (30.5m - 61m)
Spread	20' - 25' (6.1m - 7.6m)

Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)

Ilex verticillata, or Winterberry, adds vibrant color to the winter landscape. With its cherry red berries persisting through late winter, it’s a standout feature. Slow-growing and multi-stemmed, this deciduous shrub offers lustrous green foliage that turns yellow to purple in fall. It requires both male and female plants for berry production.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Ilex opaca (American Holly)

Ilex opaca (American Holly) is a dense, pyramidal evergreen tree with stiff branches and dark green, spine-tipped leaves. Dioecious, it bears small greenish-white spring flowers, leading to bright red berries on female trees, if pollinated. Perfect for year-round interest, it’s ideal as a specimen, hedge, or in groupings, with fruiting branches popular for Christmas decorations. Both male and female plants are necessary for berry production.

Hardiness	5 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo Flower)

Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo Flower), known for its glossy, heart-shaped spathes in vibrant red, pink, orange, or white and contrasting spadix, is a popular ornamental plant. It thrives in bright, indirect light with high humidity and blooms almost continuously in ideal conditions. It tolerates lower light conditions, but too little light may result in fewer blooms and slower growth.

Hardiness	11 - 12
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)

Gardenia jasminoides (Cape Jasmine)

Gardenia jasminoides (Cape Jasmine) is a large evergreen shrub with thick, lustrous, lance-shaped, dark green leaves and extremely fragrant, white flowers, 3 in. across (8 cm). Blooming throughout the year in warm climates, where temperatures do not drop below 60°F (15°C), this award-winning Gardenia blooms in late spring to early summer in cooler climates.

Hardiness	8 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)

Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns)

Euphorbia milii, commonly known as Crown of Thorns, features densely spined, woody stems and bright green leaves. Known for its drought tolerance, this succulent blooms year-round, producing small but vivid flowers primarily in red or pink, surrounded by showy bracts, adding a splash of color to any setting.

Hardiness	9 - 12
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

Daphne odora (Winter Daphne)

Daphne odora, or winter daphne, delights with its glossy foliage and clusters of intensely fragrant, pink to white flowers in late winter. While it prefers partial shade, it also thrives in sunny spots if protected from harsh afternoon rays, making it versatile for brightening up both shaded and sun-kissed winter gardens.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)

Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’ (Paperbush)

A captivating addition to winter gardens, Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’ (Paperbush) is a deciduous shrub admired for its luminous, fragrant orange-red flowers blooming on bare stems in late winter and early spring. Silvery buds add ornamental interest through fall, while summer brings dark blue-green leaves. Perfect for pairing with shade-tolerant evergreens and wildflowers.

Hardiness	7 - 10
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica (Evergreen Group)

Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica is a charming evergreen climber with fragrant, creamy-white bell-shaped flowers adorned with reddish-maroon freckles. Blooming from mid-late winter, it has delicate seedheads and attractive fern-like foliage. Perfect for walls, trellises, or fences, plant it where you can enjoy its winter flowers and scent.

Hardiness	7 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	8' (240cm)
Spread	5' (150cm)

Hedera helix (English Ivy)

Hedera helix, commonly known as English Ivy, is a versatile and hardy evergreen vine known for its lush, trailing foliage. Adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments, it thrives in partial to full shade and requires moist, well-drained soil. It’s excellent for ground cover, climbing walls, or as a decorative houseplant.

Hardiness	5 - 11
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread	3' - 15' (90cm - 4.6m)

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir)

Pseudotsuga menziesii, or Douglas Fir, stands tall with a pyramidal shape, becoming more conical over time. Its deep green needles, fragrant when crushed, pair with distinctive brown cones that resemble Christmas decorations. Adapting with age, its bark transitions from smooth to rugged. A native to western North America, it’s a key timber source and popular Christmas tree, ideal as a specimen or for screening.

Hardiness	5 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	40' - 80' (12.2m - 24.4m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Picea pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce)

Picea pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce) is a majestic evergreen native to the Rocky Mountains of North America. Revered for its silvery-blue needles, this tree stands as a popular ornamental choice in landscapes. With a pyramidal shape and a capacity to grow up to 75 feet (22 meters) tall, it serves as both a focal point and a natural windbreak in gardens and yards.

Hardiness	2 - 7
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	30' - 60' (9.1m - 18.3m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir)

Abies balsamea, also known as Balsam Fir, is a North American evergreen tree appreciated for its fragrant needles and used as a Christmas tree. It adds beauty and aroma to landscapes and is valued for its timber and medicinal properties.

Hardiness	3 - 6
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	50' - 70' (15.2m - 21.3m)
Spread	15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)

Abies nordmanniana (Nordmann Fir)

Abies nordmanniana, also known as the Nordmann Fir, is a magnificent evergreen conifer native to the mountainous regions south and east of the Black Sea. Known for its splendid, dark green needles with a silvery underside and large, upright cones, this tree is a popular choice for Christmas trees and park adornment due to its symmetry, dense foliage, and overall grandeur.

Hardiness	4 - 6
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	30' - 50' (9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread	15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)

Abies procera (Noble Fir)

Abies procera, commonly known as Noble Fir, is a large, majestic evergreen conifer native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Renowned for its imposing height, symmetrical form, and attractive blue-green needles, it’s widely used as a Christmas tree and for its high-quality timber.

Hardiness	5 - 6
Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	80' - 200' (24.4m - 61m)
Spread	20' - 30' (6.1m - 9.1m)

Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter Honeysuckle)

Lonicera fragrantissima, or Winter Honeysuckle, is a beloved bushy deciduous shrub treasured for its highly fragrant winter blooms. The creamy-white flowers appear in late winter to early spring before the leaves emerge, perfect for indoor arrangements. The flowers later yield small red berries, and the shrub boasts spreading, multi-stemmed growth with smooth, dark green leaves that often persist throughout winter. The textured bark on old stems adds to its appeal during the colder months.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Mistletoe Read More

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

Embrace Winter’s Beauty with Amaryllis bulbs (Hippeastrum). These stunning flowers bring a vibrant burst of color and exotic allure to your home during the colder months, adding warmth and joy to the winter season. Easy to grow and captivating to behold, they are a true winter delight.

Hardiness	8 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early), Winter
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) Read More

Paperwhite Narcissus (Daffodil)

The easiest and most rewarding bulbs you can grow, Paperwhites are amazingly fragrant daffodils that are not winter-hardy but are perfect for producing flowers in a short period of time when grown indoors. In warm climates (zones 8-11) with hot, dry summers, Paperwhite bulbs can be planted outside where they will bloom annually for many years.

Hardiness	8 - 11
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring, Winter
Height	10" - 2' (25cm - 60cm)
Spread	2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm)

Paperwhite Narcissus (Daffodil) Read More

Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)

Camellia japonica, the dominant species of the genus, boasts a staggering array of over 30,000 cultivars, showcasing a captivating range of flower shapes and hues. With its alluring habit, lustrous foliage, and magnificent blooms, this iconic plant has enraptured gardeners in Japan, China, and Korea for centuries, leaving an indelible mark on horticultural traditions.

Hardiness	7 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height	6' - 20' (180cm - 6.1m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia) Read More

Helleborus (Hellebore)

Helleborus, commonly known as Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose, is a delightful perennial that blooms in late winter or early spring, adding much-needed color to the garden. With its nodding flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, or green, and attractive evergreen foliage, it is a resilient and long-lasting plant that thrives in shade or partial shade.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

Helleborus (Hellebore) Read More

Cyclamen

Cyclamen, a charming tuberous perennial, captivates with its vibrant, upside-down heart-shaped flowers in hues of pink, red, and white, and distinctively patterned foliage. Flowering time may be any month of the year, depending on the species. Ideal for adding color in shaded areas, it’s celebrated for its low-maintenance nature and ability to bring life to the garden during cooler months.

Hardiness	4 - 11
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Fall, Winter
Height	2" - 10" (5cm - 25cm)
Spread	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)

Cyclamen Read More

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids)

Phalaenopsis, commonly known as the moth orchid, is a popular and easy-to-care-for houseplant. It features broad, leathery leaves and long arching stems with stunning, butterfly-shaped flowers in various colors, including white, pink, and purple. Native to Southeast Asia, Phalaenopsis thrives in warm, humid environments and bright, indirect light.

Hardiness	10 - 12
Exposure	Partial Sun
Height	10" - 3' (25cm - 90cm)
Spread	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchids) Read More

Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles, commonly known as Flowering Quince, is a deciduous shrub prized for its late winter to early spring blooms and ornamental fruits. With vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, and white, this versatile plant adds beauty to gardens and attracts pollinators. It thrives in a variety of soil conditions and is low-maintenance.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height	3' - 10' (90cm - 3m)
Spread	3' - 10' (90cm - 3m)

Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince) Read More

Galanthus (Snowdrop)

Galanthus, commonly known as Snowdrops, are beloved early spring flowers cherished for their delicate beauty. With their elegant, nodding white blooms and touches of green, they bring a sense of renewal and hope to the garden. These petite flowers are a true symbol of resilience, emerging from the winter landscape to herald the arrival of spring.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4" - 10" (10cm - 25cm)
Spread	3" - 6" (8cm - 15cm)

Galanthus (Snowdrop) Read More

Hamamelis (Witch Hazel)

Resilient and easy to care for, Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree that remains largely unaffected by pests. Its captivating beauty shines through when its fragrant and vibrant flowers take center stage, making it a standout choice for any garden.

Hardiness	3 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Fall, Winter
Height	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
Spread	10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)

Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) Read More

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Compare All

Abies (Fir) Camellia Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince) Cyclamen Euphorbia (Spurge) Gardenia Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) Helleborus (Hellebore) Hippeastrum (Amaryllis) Ilex (Holly) Kalanchoe Lonicera (Honeysuckle) Narcissus (Daffodil) Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) Picea (Spruce)

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

Cyclamen Euphorbia (Spurge) Hamamelis (Witch Hazel) Helleborus (Hellebore) Ilex (Holly) Kalanchoe Narcissus (Daffodil) Picea (Spruce)

Guides with

Natalia Greeske, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.