Living Christmas Greenery: Beyond the Poinsettia

Think of an old fashioned Christmas. What comes to mind? Often your thoughts are full of greenery, the natural look of bringing all outdoors inside – a wonderful thing to do, especially in the bleak gray and white of winter.

There is, of course, the traditional greenery, from fir trees to wreaths to boughs of holly. Also among the yuletide favorites is the traditional Christmas Flower; the ever popular and festive poinsettia (now available in pink, as well as red or white) or Christmas baskets, overflowing with all kinds of goodies, from fruits to cheeses, to gourmet chocolates, wines, and spa collections.

Don’t forget the ivy when you’re thinking about holly. These give a great look when draped over mantelpieces, across the top of a doorframe, or even weaved together as a memorable wreath. Consider accenting a Christmas Gift Basket with holly and ivy, too. It gives the basket a special holiday touch.

For the romantics in the crowd, or just those who enjoy the game of the thing, don’t forget the mistletoe. Legend has it that they promote life and fertility, as well as love. There are few holiday aphrodisiacs that provide such amusement while boosting that holiday spirit at the same time.

One of the more popular unique choices in Christmas Flowers is the amaryllis. Known for its long-lasting blooms, the amaryllis is also a perennial flower, its long, graceful stem and radiant red blossom springing from a bulb that the receiver can plant outside after the holidays. The amaryllis should bloom for four to six weeks. Following that, if you simply remove the wilted blooms and put the plant in a well-lighted place, it will continue to produce fresh blossoms beyond the holiday season.

Other bulb-based flowers available during the holidays include hyacinths, daffodils and tulips. If purchased as bulbs, they will usually bloom four to eight weeks after planting. Consider not only a single blossom in a festive planter (one that can be used by the recipient after the holidays is best), but group together in display fashion on a corner table.

Another pretty Christmas Flower is the narcissus. Perfect for display in one’s kitchen, the plant should be placed in a sunny area, like a deep-set window.

The Christmas cactus also makes a good gift or decoration around the holidays. One of the easiest Christmas plants to care for, its blooms can now be found several colors besides the traditional red. These include pink, lavender, orange and white.

One of the best choices for a bit of Christmas greenery, especially for a family member in a nursing home or hospital is the small tabletop Christmas trees. Suitable for decorating just like their big sisters and brothers, they can be purchased either as a stand alone Christmas Flower or as a potted item which can later be planted outdoors. Empty nesters who no longer wish to go the big Christmas tree route may also find this a delightful way to still have the decorated evergreen feel without all the extra effort that erecting and decorating a room-sized tree involves. Several varieties of the small fir tree are available, including the Dwarf Alberta Spruce and the Italian stone pine.

Many florists also offer Christmas centerpiece arrangements as well as a variety of Christmas Gift Baskets. They come in a variety of styles and offer a wide range of featured plants. These make a great gift for family members at a distance, making it possible for you to make a “virtual visit” to their home on Christmas, as they’ll be thinking of you when they sit down to eat their holiday meal.