Holiday Plants for Your Garden
Instead of relying on outdoor lights for color in your yard this Christmas, why not add holiday cheer naturally with plants?
In our mild Southern California weather, there are many plants that will enliven the landscape with color in December, says Dana Point landscape designer Jeff Garton of Paradise Designs Inc. However, these annuals and perennials need to be planned for and prepared months in advance.
“There’s a real joy to making a winter garden as full as any other time of year,” he said. “A colorful winter garden can make the holiday season even more special.”
Many December blooming plants also make great cut flowers for the holiday table.
The following December bloomers are suggested by Garton and San Juan Capistrano landscape architect John Greenwood of Greenwood Associates Inc.
Bulbs
If planted now, many bulbs may come up in the garden around the holidays, depending on the weather and planting location. These include certain varieties of:
- Amaryllis
- Daffodil
- Narcissus
- Hyacinth
- Crocus
- Iris
- Tulip
Cyclamen: Certain varieties of this perennial bloom during the December holidays. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, rose, and red. The flowers are striking, and the heart-shaped foliage is attractive. They do well in containers.
Perennials
Kaffir Lily (Clivia miniata): This evergreen perennial has tuberous roots and blooms from December through April. It is native to South Africa and grows best in bright but not direct light. The flowers come in yellow/orange and red/pink.
Annuals
- African Daisy (Dimorphotheca): These daisy-like flowers grow best in light soil with moderate watering and full sun. They come in colors like yellow, white, orange, apricot, and salmon.
- Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis): These flowers come in orange, yellow, apricot, and cream. It’s highly adaptable and grows in most soils and moisture conditions.
- Iceland Poppy: This perennial blooms in December, with vibrant colors like yellow, orange, salmon, rose, and pink. It needs full sun and well-drained soil.
- Ornamental Cabbage or Kale: Known for their colorful leaf rosettes, these annuals grow well in sunny conditions but tolerate some shade.
Snapdragon: Transplants set out in early fall begin blooming around Christmastime if the plant reaches the bud stage before temperatures drop below 50°F.
Perennials (Continued)
- Camellia: Many of the sasanqua varieties bloom heavily in December. The ‘Yuletide’ variety features red flowers.
- Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens): This perennial blooms early in mild areas, with pure white flower clusters that are perfect for cutting.
- Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii): This plant requires cool night temperatures and 12–14 hours of darkness each day to bloom in December.
- Christmas Heather (Erica canaliculata): This evergreen shrub with tubular flowers comes in pink and reddish purple, making it perfect for the holiday season.
- Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger): This perennial has two-inch-wide flowers that change color over time, starting white and turning purple.
- English Primrose: This perennial blooms in December and is ideal for coastal areas or shady spots inland.
- Holly: Known for its red berries and variegated leaves, holly comes in several varieties. Female plants require male plants for berry production.
- Primrose Jasmine (Jasminum mesnyi): This evergreen shrub blooms bright yellow flowers from November through April.
