With the festive season well underway, I know many of you will be buying a traditional tree of some sort, there are now so many real and faux options out there. As for me, I’m more than a little fond of the Christmas houseplant instead!
There are so many options, from the Christmas Cactus, cyclamen, a bowl of hyacinths to the slightly crazy Alocasia. So in typical plant geek-style, I have a few unique recommendations to bring festive warmth and cheer to your home over the weeks ahead.
Poinsettia ‘Autumn Leaves’
Why not remix your Christmas colour palette with the achingly trendy colour tones of Poinsettia ‘Autumn Leaves’. At first glance it’s almost unrecognisable-and could be the ideal Poinsettia gift for someone who professes to dislike Poinsettia. Created by Dummen Orange, it is available from Grow Urban. Just be aware like any Poinsettia, it can turn full sensitive diva if placed too close to a draught and it doesn’t like being overwatered either.
Rosemary and Lavender Christmas Trees
These rosemary and lavender plants are simply clipped into the shape of conical trees, and provide a welcome sensory addition to the home. I think the rosemary in particular really fits into the festive theme of rich, spicy scents. Thompson & Morgan are listing both options for pre-Christmas gift delivery.
Cyclamen ‘Satisfaction’
I treated you to a little bit of Cyclamen intel a few issues back, but I didn’t mention ‘Satisfaction’, which is part of the Halios range from the French Cyclamen wizards at plant breeders, Morel. It is available in limited numbers from garden centres around the UK this season, so you may have to hunt it down. It’s well worth it though, the red is bright enough to rival any Poinsettia.
Alocasia ‘Flying Squid’
I like this distinctive plant for many reasons and I think specialist and rare houseplants also make a thoughtful Christmas gift for friends and family. This novelty Alocasia will no doubt be the ideal talking point over the turkey (or nut roast) this December!
Painted Waxed Amaryllis Bulbs
It’s easy to shudder when you see “enhanced plants”, but I was with an Amaryllis breeder and grower last week in the Netherlands, he put his seal of approval on these waxed bulbs that are becoming more and more popular. The waxing actually protects the bulb, and since the bulb has enough energy within to push out a flower, it’s actually a very practical novel gift for beginners and experts alike. These wax beauties are also hand painted as well, and Birdies are listing a few of these on their website.
Camellia ‘Yuletide’
A Camellia that peaks for Christmas? Yes please! Whilst most assume Camellia will only burst into bloom come spring, there’s plenty of other species that flower in the colder months, mostly from the C. sasanqua family. Not a houseplant of course, but a handsome doorstep specimen. Available at Plants 4 Presents, gift-wrapped to impress!
Find more tips, advice and articles like this at the Amateur Gardening website. Subscribe to Amateur Gardening magazine now.
