Top 6 Traditional Christmas Flowers & Plants
When the snow starts to fall and the temperatures drop, we know Christmas is just around the corner. And what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by decorating our homes with festive flowers and plants? As the holidays approach, we begin to see signs of Christmas everywhere we go.
One of the most uplifting things about this time of year is the beautiful Christmas flowers that start appearing in stores and homes. While poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe are the traditional Christmas plants, many other beautiful plants can be used to create a Christmassy vibe.
Today, we'll look at the meanings and symbolism of some of the most common Christmas flowers and plants. From poinsettias to mistletoe, each one has a special significance for the holiday season. So read on to learn more about these festive plants!
Poinsettia
The poinsettia is probably the most well-known of all Christmas flowers. Its bright red leaves are said to represent the blood of Jesus Christ. Native to Mexico and Central America, poinsettia is most often associated with Christmas due to its red and green leaves. Poinsettias are a member of the Euphorbia family, including plants like castor oil and….poison ivy! Despite their association with holiday cheer, poinsettias are considered poisonous if ingested, so be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Christmas Rose
The Christmas rose, also known as the hellebore, is a beautiful white flower that blooms in winter. It gets its name from the fact that it often blooms around Christmas time. The Christmas rose is often used to symbolise purity and hope, making it the perfect addition to your holiday decor. These roses are relatively easy to care for, so even if you don't have a green thumb, you can still enjoy their beauty during the Christmas season.
The Christmas rose is native to Europe and Asia and has been used in holiday decorations for centuries. Christmas roses are small and delicate. They have white petals with a slight pink hue at the centre. These flowers bloom in the wintertime, which makes them the perfect addition to any holiday display. They also have a sweet smell that will fill your home with the holiday spirit.
Holly
Holly is an evergreen plant that is commonly used in wreaths and other holiday decorations. The shiny green leaves and red berries represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ during his Crucifixion. Holly is an evergreen shrub native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.
These stunning plants can grow up to 40 feet tall in the wild, but most cultivated varieties only grow up to 6-8 feet tall. The first thing you notice about holly is its glossy, dark green leaves. These leaves are the perfect backdrop for the plant's signature red berries, which stand out in stark contrast. Holly is often used as a garland or wreath, but you can also decorate mantels, doorways, or windows.
Mistletoe
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on trees, especially oak trees. It is commonly used as a decoration during Christmas time, and people often kiss under it as part of a tradition known as "mistletoeing." The mistletoe hangs like a small cloud from the ceiling. Its leaves are glossy, and it's white berries are a tactile temptation.
It is used as both decorations and as an opportunity to steal a kiss. Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that takes nutrients from the host tree, but it is also a sign of love and goodwill. It is said that if you stand under the mistletoe and someone kisses you, your friendship will strengthen.
Amaryllis
The Amaryllis is sometimes known as the "Christmas lily" because it often blooms around Christmastime. It is a classic Christmas flower, which is tall and stately, with large blooms in shades of red, white, or pink. The Amaryllis symbolizes strength and determination because it blooms indoors in the winter months when the temperature outside is too cold for most other flowers. The Amaryllis is also known as the Belle of the Ball because of its elegant beauty and using these vibrant flowers in Christmas decor surely uplifts the whole place. When paired with mistletoes, amaryllises look refreshing and eye-pleasing.
Azalea
As Christmas comes around, azaleas are among the most popular flowers to have as decorations, no matter which theme you opt for. Their beautiful colours, ranging from white to pink to purple, fill people's homes with Christmas cheer. Azaleas come in a wide range of colours, and each colour has its unique meaning. For example, white azaleas symbolise innocence and purity, pink azaleas symbolise joy and happiness, and purple azaleas symbolise royalty and elegance.
Azaleas have large, round blooms that are shaped like stars. They also have long, slender leaves that give them a graceful appearance. Combined with their vibrant colours, azaleas are simply stunning to look at. Each hue of azalea has a pleasant scent, but they all share a common trait: they smell like springtime. The fragrance of azaleas is said to boost your mood and make you feel happy. And what's not to love about that?
Rounding Up
The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration. It's a time when families come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy each other's company. It's also a time when homes are decorated with beautiful Christmas flowers and plants. Traditional Christmas flowers and plants play an important role in the festive season. They bring colour and life to our homes, and their fragrance brings back memories of Christmases past.
So why not take a little time this year to choose the perfect Christmas flowers and plants for your home? Whether you go for the classics like holly and mistletoe, or something more unusual like Amaryllis, your home will look and feel more festive for it. And, of course, no Christmas would be complete without a spring or two of evergreen. Get out there and start decorating your home with some festive flora!
