Not-So-Classic Holiday Plants

Brighten Your Season

November 25th, 2025

When you think of holiday plants, poinsettias and Christmas cactus probably come to mind first — and for good reason! But there’s a whole world of festive, seasonal plants that bring beauty, fragrance, and colour to winter décor.

These not-so-classic holiday plants are gaining popularity because they offer something unique: winter-friendly colours, seasonal shapes, long-lasting blooms, or simply that magical feeling we all look for this time of year.

Here are some underrated holiday favourites — and why they’re perfect for the season:

Frosty Ferns

These delicate, lacey plants look like they’ve been dusted with snow thanks to their naturally white-tipped growth.

Why they’re festive:
Their frosted appearance fits perfectly with winter décor, giving a “snow-kissed” look even indoors.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

A leafless shrub in winter, Winterberry proudly displays clusters of bright red berries.

Why they’re festive:
Those classic red berries are used in wreaths, centrepieces, and outdoor planters all season long — they’re basically nature’s Christmas ornaments.

Lavender Trees

Lavender shaped into adorable miniature trees brings a soft, fragrant touch to holiday decorating.

Why they’re festive:
Their Christmas-tree shape instantly feels seasonal, but with a unique twist — plus the calming scent is perfect during a busy season.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen bloom in the winter months and come in cheerful colours like white, red, pink, and purple.

Why they’re festive:
They thrive in cooler indoor temperatures, making them perfect winter bloomers when most other plants are resting.

Norfolk Island Pines

Soft, symmetrical, and evergreen, these trees are a favourite for decorating with mini lights or ornaments.

Why they’re festive:
They look like a miniature Christmas tree you can enjoy long after the holidays — a living, growing decoration.

Anthurium andreanum

With glossy leaves and bright red or white long-lasting blooms, anthuriums add bold colour to the darker months.

Why they’re festive:
Red and white blooms naturally fit the holiday colour palette, making them a tropical alternative to poinsettias.

Paperwhites

These fragrant bulbs bloom quickly indoors and produce elegant, snowy-white flowers.

Why they’re festive:
They grow during the darkest, coldest months — symbolizing new beginnings and adding freshness to winter spaces.

Goldcrest Cypress

Known for its chartreuse-green colour and natural lemony scent, this plant is shaped just like a mini Christmas tree.

Why they’re festive:
Its cheerful colour and tree-like shape make it a favourite for doorsteps, centrepieces, and holiday gifting.

Kalanchoe "Kandy Kane"

A festive spin on the classic kalanchoe, with bright, colourful blooms that last for weeks.

Why they’re festive:
The long-lasting red, white, or pink blooms fit holiday décor perfectly and make it an easy, low-maintenance gift.

Lawson’s Cypress

This hardy conifer has a beautiful conical shape and rich blue-green foliage.

Why they’re festive:
It mimics the look of a small outdoor Christmas tree and is perfect for winter porch pots and seasonal planters.

Amaryllis

Known for their dramatic, oversized blooms in red, white, pink, and striped varieties, amaryllis are a holiday classic around the world.

Why they’re festive:
They’re often gifted boxed or as kits leading up to Christmas, and the excitement of watching them grow has become a holiday tradition for many families.

Add Something Special to Your Holiday Display

From snow-dusted Frosty Ferns to bold amaryllis blooms, these unique holiday plants bring fresh beauty to your winter decorating. Whether you’re gifting, decorating, or looking for something a little different this year, these festive favourites add charm, fragrance, colour, and life to the season.

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