Plants that flower over Christmas

Collaborative Post | Flowers are universally thought of as a summer aesthetic, which is why it can be difficult to know what plants are great for the winter months. Winter is well known as a time for bare and often unsightly branches, and a lack of overall colour. This is why it can be beneficial for our mood and well-being to adorn our homes and gardens with flowers that bloom brightly during this time - and there is a wide array of them!
 
Christmas is a time of love, laughter and bright, bold colours. So with Christmas quickly rocking up at our doors, we’ve gathered our absolute favourite winter bloomers to give your home and garden life where you may not have seen it before.

If you’re unsure of how to start your planting journey, you can always hop on the web and search for: ‘gardener near me’

Poinsettias

As soon as we think of Christmas, we think of poinsettias. Why? Because when a poinsettia flowers it displays vivid red bracts and dark green leaves that instantly scream traditional Christmas aesthetic. Their sharp angled shapes also emulate the look of mistletoe, making them the perfect decoration for not only the exterior of your home but the interior too!
 
Poinsettias can grow from one to three metres in height when out in the wild but can be potted for indoor use making a fabulous festive centrepiece for your home. Their red bracts are often mistaken for flowers, allowing them to keep their bold colouring in cold temperatures.
 
This stunning coloured plant can also be found with bracts of pink, pale green and white, for those not fond of the red vibe. When they flower, they display small yellow petals in the centre of the bracts, which often can be mistaken for pollen.

Photo by Jessica Fadel on Unsplash

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus says it right in the name! If you’re looking for something a little edgier this Christmas, why not give it a go? The Christmas cactus isn’t actually a true cactus, therefore it’s not quite as drought-tolerant as the name implies. It is, however, a species of succulent.
 
The Christmas cactus was originally given its name due to it continuing to boldly bloom throughout Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere. Christmas cacti bloom red flowers, though they can also be found in pink and white. Their flowers are similar to those of daisies, and their leaves display long, rounded teeth like those of a cactus.
 
They are an easy houseplant to maintain, however, if you want to ensure the blooming of Christmastime flowers it’s vital you follow strict steps regarding lighting to keep them content.

Winter Pansies

It’s well known that pansies prefer a cooler climate, so it’s no surprise to us that they come in winter form. Winter pansies can survive short frosts, though they thrive in a mid-temperature environment - not too hot and not too cold.
 
If you’re looking to plant winter pansies, it’s best to sow them as early as possible before winter sets in. We recommend planting them during September and early October to see the most benefits. Winter pansies are the perfect shrub to bring in once your summer plants are looking a little worse for wear. They come in a huge array of colours, such as orange, yellow, red, white, purple and even blue. The perfect addition for those seeking some Christmas-time colour.

Winter Heathers

​Another plant giving us that Christmas-time feels is the winter heather. Winter heathers are extremely vibrant, coming in colours from oranges to pinks, purples, whites and more. The winter heather is an easy plant to grow, unlike some other cold-season shrubs, so they’re perfect for beginner-level gardening and plant care.
 
They work both in flower beds and pots and can be strategically arranged to create a patchwork or gradient colour effect, adding that much sought-after life to any winter garden. Winter heathers thrive in both direct sunlight and light shade, so there’s no need to worry about your heathers wilting due to specific lighting environments.

Christmas Rose

The Christmas rose is the flower of Christmas-time romance. Otherwise known as Helleborus niger, the Christmas rose boasts stunning dark green leaves with a wide array of petal colours. Depending on your preferred winter aesthetic, you can choose from purple, white, pink, pale yellow, black or spotted.
 
The Christmas rose is a must-have for adding that instant pop of colour to your winter garden.

Jingle Bells

Their fun, festive name jingle bells, otherwise known as clematis cirrhosa, are a great option for adding some fun and festivity to your garden. Jingle bells are known for their dreamy white flowers, giving us that snowy, winter feel.
 
Jingle bells are evergreen climbers with dark green leaves, making them the perfect plant to grow over structural archways. It’s easy to install a trellis or wiring to a pot, fence, or even the exterior of your property to create a gorgeous fairytale woodland feel to your home all year round.

Dawn

The dawn plant, otherwise known as viburnum bodnantense, usually flowers anytime between October to March depending on the severity of the cold weather. During a milder winter, they tend to flower earlier.
 
Before flowering the dawn plant is completely bare, emulating the naked branches surrounding it. However, just at the right time the dawn sprouts a multitude of stunning flowers similar to those of a spring cherry blossom. Its flowers boast a sweet perfume that is sure to liven up your garden during the duller months.
 
This is a straightforward plant to grow, growing in any type of soil, as long as you take care to maintain the level of water around the shrub. Viburnum grows quickly and efficiently, so you may find yourself trimming back the branches once winter has lifted.
 
These clippings are ideal for home decor, giving your space a wonderful aroma for weeks on end.

Indoor Azaleas

Indoor azaleas are a great option for those who want to bring nature indoors this Christmas time. If you love adorning your home with flowers and stunning colours, the indoor azalea thrives on a cool windowsill at temperatures from around 10-15C. Although they prefer to be away from intense sunlight, so on those particularly sunny winter days it’s a good option to move them further indoors.
 
Indoor azaleas make the perfect centrepiece coming in a range of colours, from peach to white, lavender, pink, red or bi-coloured.


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