Holly. There are more than 400 species of holly, but the two most common varieties used to "deck the halls" come Christmas have spiky, glossy leaves and bright red berries, and can be found in the eastern US and Europe.

What is the traditional Christmas plant?

The poinsettia is one of the most iconic houseplants to give and receive as a gift during the holidays. Sub-tropical plants native to Mexico, poinsettias arrived in America during the 1800s by Dr.

What plants are associated with Christmas?

Poinsettia – Perhaps the most recognizable flower for Christmas is the poinsettia. Originally sold with bright red and green leaves (the “flowers” are actually leaves on the plant), poinsettias today are sold in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

What is the Xmas plant called?

Originating from Mexico and with over eight million plants sold in the UK every year, the poinsettia flowers in December and January and is the ultimate Christmas decoration in the home – aside from the Christmas tree, of course. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias aren't difficult to care for.

What is the red leaf Christmas plant called?

Poinsettias are cheery plants that are widely grown indoors over Christmas for their brightly coloured bracts. They are often disposed of once they start to fade, but with a little care, you can keep them all year and the bracts will colour up again the following year.

Poinsettias: A Christmas tradition

15 related questions found

Is Christmas plant an indoor plant?

It may also be a good idea to repot the poinsettia using the same type of soil. While poinsettias can be kept indoors throughout summer, many people choose to move them outdoors in a sunny, but protected, area of the flower garden by sinking the pot into the ground. Either way is fine.

Which flower is associated with the Christmas season?

Poinsettia. The most festive (and ubiquitous) flower of the holiday season is the scarlet-blooming poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima).

What are the four plants of Christmas?

Here are eight festive plants that are commonly used as decorations throughout Europe and North America.

• Holly. European holly. ...
• Poinsettia. poinsettia. ...
• Douglas fir. Douglas fir with cones. ...
• Christmas cactus. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). ...
• Mistletoe. European mistletoe. ...
• Norway spruce. ...
• Christmas rose. ...
• Cedar.

What is a Christmas Leaf?

The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns. In Scandinavia it is known as the Christ Thorn. In pagan times, Holly was thought to be a male plant and Ivy a female plant.

What is holly leaf?

Holly is a plant. There are many types (species) of holly. English holly, Oregon holly, and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. The leaves of other holly species (especially Ilex opaca, Ilex vomitoria, and Ilex aquifolium) are used to make medicine.

Is a poinsettia a tree?

Poinsettias are shrubs or small trees, with heights of 0.6–4 m (2.0–13.1 ft). ... Every year in the US, approximately 70 million poinsettias of many cultivated varieties are sold in a six-week period.

What is one of the most popular flowers to give at Christmas time?

The most popular Christmas plant is the poinsettia. They're frequently just called the red Christmas flowers because that's how socially accepted they are as the premier Christmas flower.

Are poinsettias annuals?

Because poinsettias are actually perennial plants, it is possible to keep them all year. Care for them as you would any house plant.

Is poinsettia a houseplant?

Holiday Plants

A poinsettia's true nature becomes apparent as we grow them as houseplants after the holiday season and the dwarfing chemicals used in greenhouses wear off. The stems start to become leggy and tall, just like their ancestors were, and some pruning is needed to keep them looking compact and full.

Do poinsettias like sun?

Plant poinsettias in full sun but in a place that does not receive any artificial light from the street, porch or house. ... Artifical light confuses them, and they will stay green. They like to be kept fairly dry.

Can you plant poinsettias after Christmas?

Plant them if there are spots where you think poinsettias would look good and fit in well with your existing plants. The time to plant poinsettias outside is late March, after the danger of frost has passed. Until then, keep the plants in a sunny window and water when the soil begins to feel dry.

What do you do with poinsettias after Christmas?

Toss the poinsettia when you grow tired of it or it becomes unattractive. For those home gardeners who enjoy a challenge, it is possible to get the poinsettia to bloom again next season. Cut the stems back to within 4 to 6 inches of the soil in March. The poinsettia may also be repotted at this time.

How long does a poinsettia live?

"Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias one or two years. If they're really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years."

Are poinsettias poinsettias?

Some say poinsetta and some say poinsettia. In both cases, either pronunciation is acceptable. This traditional holiday houseplant, a native of Mexico, is named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico (circa 1820).

What is the meaning of a poinsettia?

What is the meaning of poinsettias? ... While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today's language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.

Are poinsettias flowers?

Poinsettias bloom when the days get shorter. The colorful “flowers” of poinsettias are actually modified leaves called “bracts.” Poinsettias grow well in moist soil and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F. They can be grown outdoors during summer.

Can you plant poinsettias?

Growing Poinsettias in Your Southern California Garden

Poinsettias are hardy in zones 9 through 11. They can be grown as long-lasting houseplants, and you can transplant them into the garden in frost-free areas like ours. ... Water your Poinsettias regularly, and start fertilizing them a s soon as new growth appears.

Do poinsettias have seeds?

So what do poinsettia seeds look like and when to plant poinsettia seeds? The poinsettia seeds you'll find inside the pods are small and dark. ... Then you can plant them under 1 ½ inches of soil, but it may take a few weeks for them to sprout. Just keep the soil warm and moist until they do.

Are holly leaves sharp?

Festive trees make spiny leaves to ward off nibblers. With shiny evergreen leaves and bright red berries, holly trees are a naturally festive decoration seen throughout the Christmas season. They're famously sharp. But not all holly leaves are prickly, even on the same tree.

What kind of a plant is holly?

Holly (Ilex) is a family of low-maintenance evergreen and deciduous plants that range from 12-inch shrubs to trees measuring up to 50 feet. Holly is valued primarily for its glossy foliage and colorful berries. Growing zones vary depending on species.