Get in the Holiday Spirit with These Traditional Christmas Plants

Christmas decorations get us all in the holiday spirit, but often we overlook the Christmas plants that lend so much color and freshness to those decorations. What are some of the most popular Christmas plants and where can you get them this holiday season?

Poinsettias
Poinsettias are the most traditional and well known of the Christmas plants. According to the University of Illinois Extension, 85 percent of all potted plants sold during the Christmas season are poinsettias. They come in a variety of colors like red, white and pink and add grace to any holiday decorating. The Christmas favorite is actually a native plant from Central America where it can grow into a shrub more than 10 feet tall. In Mexico and Central America, it is known as “Flores de Noche Buena” (Flower of the Holy Night).

Christmas Cactus
Poinsettias and Christmas cactus can be enjoyed all year round. The prickly plant comes in a variety of colors including red, pink, white and yellow. Just make sure you don’t over-water and this plant will do well in a sunny spot for years to come.

Holly
Holly can be found in wreaths, centerpieces, ornaments and garlands. Its shiny leaves and red berries instantly bring us into the holiday season. Holly is a species of evergreen like the traditional Christmas tree. The ancient Romans associated holly with Saturn, the god of agriculture and harvest. One legend says holly wood was used for Christ’s cross.

Mistletoe
Who doesn’t know what happens when a couple is caught under the mistletoe? Even Mommy was caught kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe. Mistletoe is actually a plant that often lives and feeds off a tree. In early European cultures, people believed the plant brought good luck and would ward off evil spirits.

If you are looking to add traditional plants to your Christmas decorations or just want to purchase one for family or friends, stop in at your local florist.

• Schnuck Florist Shop
• Dunn's Florist
• Dierbergs Markets

What are your favorite Christmas plants? How do you incorporate them into your holiday decorating?