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As the holiday season approaches, transforming your outdoor spaces with festive greenery and blooms can bring the magic of Christmas right to your doorstep. This guide shows you the best Christmas plants for outside to help you create a captivating and festive atmosphere.
YayImagesBest Christmas Plants For Outside
Let’s jump straight into the best Christmas plants for decorating the outside of your house this festive season:
1. Christmas Rose
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
The Christmas rose, or Helleborus niger, is a Christmas favorite. Plant this perennial in late autumn to early winter, ideally in shaded areas with well-drained soil.
Known for its elegant white blooms that appear in the depths of winter, it adds a touch of purity and serenity to your outdoor space.
As a decoration idea, plant Christmas roses outside in clusters around your garden beds or in pots near the entrance for a welcoming sight.
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2. Mistletoe
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Mistletoe is the perfect Christmas plant. Plant it in early winter by grafting it onto the branches of host trees like apple or oak.
This parasitic plant, often seen hanging in doorways, features evergreen leaves and white berries, making it a charming addition to trees and shrubs.
For a festive decoration, hang mistletoe in key outdoor locations or incorporate it into wreaths and garlands.
3. Holly
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Holly shrubs, holly plants, and holly wreaths are quintessential Christmas decorations. Plant holly in early spring in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
With their glossy dark green leaves and bright red berries, hollies are perfect for adding color and texture to your garden.
Use holly branches to create natural wreaths or decorate garden borders and entryways for a festive touch.
4. Norfolk Island Pine
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
The Norfolk Island pine is a versatile tree that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Plant it in spring or early summer in bright light and well-drained soil.
Its symmetrical shape and soft, needle-like foliage make it an excellent choice for a living Christmas tree.
Decorate the tree with lights and ornaments to enhance its festive appeal, whether placed on patios or near entryways.
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5. Ivy
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-13
Ivy, with its trailing vines and lush green leaves, is ideal for outdoor Christmas decorations. Plant ivy in spring or autumn in well-drained soil.
It can be used to drape over fences, trellises, and railings, creating a cascading effect that complements other holiday plants.
For a decorative idea, weave ivy into wreaths or garlands to add a natural, green touch.
6. Frosty Fern
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
The frosty fern, or Selaginella kraussiana, is a unique plant with a frosty appearance, perfect for winter displays.
Plant it in early winter in cool, shaded areas with consistently moist soil. Its delicate, fern-like foliage is tinged with white, resembling freshly fallen snow.
Use frosty ferns in hanging baskets or as ground cover for a whimsical, wintery garden look.
7. Lemon Cypress
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Lemon cypress trees are small, conical evergreens with bright, lemon-scented foliage. Plant them in spring or early summer in full sun and well-drained soil.
Their vibrant green color stands out in winter gardens, making them an excellent choice for pots and containers.
Decorate lemon cypress trees with lights and small ornaments for a bright and festive outdoor display.
8. Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
Ornamental cabbage and kale are cool-season plants that add bold color and texture to your garden.
Plant them in early autumn in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Their ruffled leaves in shades of purple, pink, and white create a striking contrast against the winter landscape.
Use these plants in garden beds or containers to add a unique visual interest to your holiday decor.
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9. Paperwhite Narcissus
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Paperwhite narcissus is a fragrant winter-blooming bulb that produces clusters of white flowers.
Plant the bulbs in late autumn in well-drained soil in sunny or partially shaded areas. Their sweet scent and delicate blooms bring a sense of freshness to the winter air.
Plant paperwhites in groups in garden beds or containers for a touch of elegance and fragrance.
10. Cyclamen
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Cyclamen are known for their striking flowers and attractive foliage. Plant them in late autumn in cool, shaded areas with well-drained soil.
These hardy plants bloom in shades of pink, red, and white, adding color to your garden when most plants are dormant.
Use cyclamen in garden beds, rock gardens, or containers to brighten up your outdoor space.
11. Bosc Pear Trees
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Bosc pear trees not only provide delicious fruit but also add a rustic charm to your garden. Plant them in early spring in well-drained soil and full sun.
Their distinctive, elongated pears can be harvested during the winter months, making them practical and decorative Christmas plants for outside.
Decorate the tree with simple ornaments or ribbons for a natural holiday look.
12. Rosemary
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can be shaped into small, festive topiaries. Plant it in spring or early summer in full sun and well-drained soil.
This plants needle-like foliage and aromatic scent make it a versatile addition to your outside Christmas decorations.
Trim rosemary into shapes or use it in pots to create aromatic topiaries and add greenery to your holiday decor.
13. Spruce
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
White spruce and blue spruce are classic choices for outdoor Christmas trees. Plant them in early spring in well-drained soil and full sun.
Their dense, evergreen foliage and conical shape make them ideal for decorating with lights and ornaments.
Use spruce trees as living Christmas trees or plant them in the garden to enjoy year-round beauty and holiday cheer.
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14. Christmas Camellia
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
The Sasanqua camellia, also known as the Christmas camellia, blooms from late fall to early winter.
Plant it in early autumn in well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade. Its delicate flowers in shades of pink, white, and red bring a burst of color to your garden.
Use Christmas camellias as focal points in your garden or plant them near entryways to greet guests with festive blooms.
15. Pine
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Pine trees, with their long, needle-like leaves and classic conical shape, are synonymous with Christmas time. Plant them in early spring in well-drained soil with full sun.
They can be used as living Christmas trees or planted in the garden for a touch of natural beauty.
Decorate pine trees with lights and ornaments for a traditional holiday look.
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16. Snowdrop
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Snowdrops, or Galanthus nivalis, are among the earliest bloomers in winter. Plant the bulbs in early autumn in shaded areas with well-drained soil.
Their delicate white flowers resemble drops of snow, adding a touch of elegance to your garden.
Plant snowdrops in clusters under trees or along garden paths for a charming winter display.
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17. Balsam Fir
Wikimedia CommonsUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-6
The balsam fir is a traditional Christmas tree known for its fragrant needles and symmetrical shape.
Plant it in early spring in well-drained soil in cool climates. When planted outside, it adds a festive touch to your garden.
Decorate balsam firs with ornaments and lights for a classic Christmas tree look in your outdoor space.
18. Juniper
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2-6
Junipers are versatile evergreens that come in various shapes and sizes. Plant them in early spring in well-drained soil with full sun.
Their blue-green foliage and aromatic scent make them ideal for outdoor Christmas decorations.
Use junipers as ground cover, hedges, or accent plants, and decorate them with lights for a festive touch.
19. Mahonia
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Mahonia, with its spiky leaves and clusters of yellow flowers, adds a unique touch to winter gardens.
Plant it in early autumn in shaded areas with well-drained soil. This evergreen shrub blooms in late winter, providing a burst of color when most plants are dormant.
Use mahonia as a focal point in your garden or in shaded borders to add winter interest.
20. Pansy
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Pansies are cheerful flowers that bloom in a wide range of colors. Plant them in early autumn in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
They are perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden beds, containers, and window boxes.
Use pansies to brighten up your outdoor spaces and create colorful holiday arrangements.
21. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
The dwarf Alberta spruce is a compact evergreen with a dense, conical shape. Plant it in early spring in well-drained soil and full sun.
It is perfect for small spaces and can be decorated with lights and ornaments to create a festive focal point.
Use dwarf Alberta spruce trees in containers or as small garden accents for a charming holiday display.
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22. Christmas Box
Agnieszka Kwiecień / Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0 InternationalUSDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
The Christmas box, or Sarcococca, is an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.
Plant it in early autumn in well-drained soil in shaded areas. It blooms in late winter, adding a sweet scent to your garden.
Use Christmas box as ground cover or in hedges, and enjoy its subtle but charming presence in your winter garden.
23. Snowberry
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
Snowberries produce clusters of white berries that resemble snowballs. Plant them in early spring in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
These deciduous shrubs add a touch of winter magic to your garden.
Use snowberries in borders or as accent plants, and enjoy their unique berries that persist into winter.
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24. Wintergreen
YayImagesUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Wintergreen, or Gaultheria procumbens, is a low-growing evergreen with glossy leaves and red berries. Plant it in early spring or autumn in well-drained soil and shaded areas.
Its festive appearance and aromatic scent make it a popular choice for Christmas decorations.
Use wintergreen as ground cover, in rock gardens, or in containers to add color and fragrance to your holiday garden.
25. Dogwood
Wikimedia CommonsUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2-8
Yellow twig dogwood and red twig dogwood add a striking visual element to winter gardens.
Plant them in early spring in well-drained soil with full sun. Their vibrant stems provide color and interest when most plants are dormant.
Use dogwood twigs in holiday arrangements and wreaths for a bold statement in your garden decor.
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YayImagesChristmas Plants For Inside
While outdoor plants brighten your garden, indoor plants can elevate your holiday decor.
Selecting an indoor plant such as a Christmas cactus plant, amaryllis, poinsettia, or Phalaenopsis orchid, is a great way to add festive cheer indoors. These plants have vibrant blooms and rich colors that bring a festive touch to your living spaces.
You can also use outdoor plants as indoor decorations. Holly and mistletoe can be cut and used for wreaths, garlands, or table arrangements, adding a natural touch to your indoor decorations or front porches.
Combining both inside and outside Christmas plants creates a cohesive and festive atmosphere throughout your home.
YayImagesConclusion
Incorporating Christmas plants for outside into your holiday decorations can transform your garden into a festive wonderland.
From classic evergreens to vibrant winter blooms, these Christmas planter ideas bring color, texture, and fragrance to your outdoor spaces.
Whether you’re creating a traditional or contemporary look, there’s a plant on this list to suit your style and enhance your holiday spirit.
You may also like:
- 25 Best Winter Plants for Beautiful Pots & Containers
- 21 Best Winter Flowering Perennials For A Vibrant Landscape
- 20 Best Flowering Annuals For A Colorful Winter Garden
- When And How To Plant Amaryllis For Christmas Bloom
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