With the holiday season now in full swing, it’s your cue to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly”. While holly has been a popular festive botanical for thousands of years, (the ancient Romans and Greeks prized holly), we’re looking towards other holiday botanicals to deck not only the halls but many spaces of our homes this holiday season.
We’ve curated 10 of our favourite holiday botanicals that can enhance the festive feel with scents and sights (that are sure to delight). Traditionally, it’s our living areas that see the biggest dressing, but we insist that all areas of the home can be touched with a little holiday splendor. Including but not limited to your kitchens, entrances, hallways, bedrooms and dining rooms to transform your spaces. In order to make your choices easier, we’ve split our selections between pots and vases!
Credit: Danzinger – Jack Frost™
In Pots
Poinsettia
It’s an undeniable fact that the beloved poinsettia goes hand in hand with this time of the year. With its extravagant foliage and bold coloring, this plant really encompasses all that is merry and bright.
Perfect for: Front entrances, dining areas and bedrooms
Poinsettia var. Jingle Bells
Bright red, with flecks of white this twist on the classic red that just make us happy. If you’re looking to elevate the classics, look no further.
Poinsettia var. Peppermint Ruffles
Soft pinks, creams and yellows combined with waved margins give this variety a whimsical and well, ruffled appearance.
Poinsettia var. Jack Frost
While color may be king when it comes to the poinsettia, many of us can appreciate the beauty of the foliage sans color. We turn to the ‘Jack Frost’ variety that is brilliant white and will seamlessly blend into the aesthetics of your decorating.
Pro tip: If you have any furry friends, be sure to keep them away from these plants. Poinsettias can cause irritation in your dog/cat’s mouth and esophagus. Likewise, it’s good to keep them out of reach of children as well.
Rosemary Christmas Tree
With its beautiful fragrance, the rosemary Christmas tree is a nod to the larger counterparts that we decorate and surround with presents. But this holiday botanical brings a fun and playful twist.
Perfect for: warmer, dry locations like your kitchen
Pro Tip: Water your Rosemary by letting it soak in water, avoid watering from the top.
Christmas Cactus
Who would have ever said that Cactus and Christmas go together? This cactus gets its name thanks to the vibrant blooms that make their appearance around the holiday season. While some other holiday botanicals are displayed during just this season, this cactus will look great in your home year-round.
Perfect for: areas with bright indirect sunlight, like bedrooms and bathrooms
Gaultheria procumbens ‘Big Berry’
Hailing from the boreal forests of Canada, this is a lush and vibrant botanical. Without a doubt it will be constantly catching your eye.
Perfect for: cooler locations, like your window sills.
Cyclamens
One of the most charming plants we welcome into our homes. With blooms that will arrive late fall and last almost through the entire winter. We additionally love incorporating their bright pops of color into our décor, to liven up spaces.
Perfect for: cooler locations, like your window sills
Pro Tip: If the leaves are beginning to yellow, it means the location is receiving too much sun or is too warm. Instead, find a cooler location!
Amaryllis Forced Bulbs
The National Garden Bureau has named Amaryllis the bulb of 2023. But there’s no reason not to include a forced bulb a little early and ring in the New Year with their stunning blooms. With over 600 varieties, your options for colour, size and bloom architecture are endless. Also, if cared for properly, amaryllis bulbs can live for 75 years! Utilize a vessel to support the towering blooms to ensure they don’t begin to sway.
Perfect for: Throughout the home as an accent, particularly where there is a good amount of light
In Vases:
Eucalyptus
If bright colours aren’t for you, then the muted greens of the seeded eucalyptus will be a favourite. Furthermore, the pale greens and the soft foliage pair wonderfully as an arraignment. Best part? The aroma of the eucalyptus can promote relaxation which during the sometimes-stressful holiday season, is surely welcome.
Perfect for: bedrooms, bathrooms and additionally as a centerpiece on tables
Winter Berries – Berry Branches
These long branches with bright red berries can be arranged on their own for a simple yet striking look. Especially, when you arrange 10-12 branches in a clear vase.
Perfect for: dining room tables, mantles and specifically in kitchens
Finally, we here at Emerson Wild, hope you enjoy enhancing your home and spaces with our favourite holiday botanicals! Plus, if you haven’t yet subscribed, sign up for our email list to receive exciting news and updates from us. Additionally, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
