Christmas Flowers: The Most Beautiful Plants | MO BLUMEN
Christmas flowers: the most beautiful plants for a festive atmosphere
Christmas without flowers and plants? That would be like Advent without candles. The right Christmas plant brings color, fragrance, and a very special atmosphere into every home. Whether it’s the classic poinsettia on the windowsill, a magnificent amaryllis on the dining table, or flowering Barbara branches opening just in time for Christmas Eve — Christmas flowers are as much a part of the festive season as the Christmas tree itself.
In this guide, we introduce the most popular Christmas plants, share care tips, and show you how to enrich the festive season with natural beauty.
The poinsettia: a classic in red and more
The poinsettia — botanically Euphorbia pulcherrima — is the best-selling houseplant during Advent. And quite rightly so: its bright red bracts have become a symbol of Christmas. What many people don’t know is that it has long been available in more than just red. Varieties in pink, cream, salmon and even two-tone versions make it a wonderfully versatile decorative plant.
How to care for your poinsettia properly
The biggest mistake with poinsettias happens at the moment of purchase: the plant is carried outside in the cold and suffers a cold shock. Poinsettias come from Mexico and cannot tolerate temperatures below 12 degrees. Have the plant wrapped in the shop and bring it into the warmth quickly.
At home, the poinsettia prefers a bright spot without direct midday sun. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 degrees. Water moderately — the soil should stay slightly moist, but never waterlogged. Overwatering is the most common reason poinsettias lose their leaves.
A little insider tip: if you don’t throw away your poinsettia after Christmas and keep caring for it instead, it can bloom again next year. To make that happen, it needs at least 14 hours of darkness per day for about six weeks starting in October. Place it in a cupboard or cover it in the evening — this helps the colorful bracts form again.
Christmas Plants
Amaryllis: Dramatic flower blooms for the festive table
The amaryllis — more precisely, the knight’s star (Hippeastrum) — is the diva of Christmas plants. Its huge, trumpet-shaped flowers on strong stems are a real showstopper. Whether blooming in red, white, striped, or double-flowered forms, it suits every interior style.
What makes the amaryllis so fascinating: you can almost watch it grow. From bulb to full bloom takes around six to eight weeks. If you plant it at the beginning of November, you will have a magnificent flower right in time for Christmas.
How to Get an Amaryllis to Bloom
Plant the bulb in a pot so that the top third remains above the soil. Use regular potting soil and water only sparingly at first. Only once the flower stem is about ten centimeters tall should you begin watering regularly. A warm, bright location will speed up growth.
After flowering, cut back the stem and continue caring for the plant like a normal houseplant. In summer, it can go outdoors. From September, stop watering and store the bulb in a cool, dark place — this helps it prepare for the next flowering season. If you are looking for more plant care tips, you will find a comprehensive guide on caring for green plants on our site.
Christmas Cactus: A Winter Flowering Wonder
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is one of the most rewarding houseplants of all. Once it has settled in well, it reliably blooms every year around Christmas — in pink, red, orange, white, or purple. Its trailing stems with their striking flowers make it especially eye-catching in hanging planters or on high shelves.
From October onward, the Christmas cactus needs cool nights (around 15 degrees) and less water in order to form buds. As soon as the buds are visible, it should no longer be moved — otherwise the buds may drop off. If you are interested in more easy-care plants, you will find plenty of inspiration in our guide to succulents and cacti.
Christmas Rose: A Winter Flower for Indoors and Outdoors
The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) is one of the few plants that blooms in the middle of winter. Its white, bowl-shaped flowers often appear as early as December and last well into February. In the garden or on the balcony, it is a true bright spot during the darkest time of the year.
As a cut flower, the Christmas rose lasts about a week in a vase. A simple trick: score the stem ends lengthwise and place the flowers in hot water first — this greatly improves water absorption.
In a pot on the terrace, the Christmas rose handles frost without any problem. It should only be protected from waterlogging. A partially shaded spot is ideal.
St. Barbara’s branches: An old tradition full of magic
On 4 December, St. Barbara’s Day, branches from cherry, apple, or forsythia shrubs are traditionally cut and placed in water. If all goes well, they will bloom just in time for Christmas Eve — a little miracle in the middle of winter.
For the branches to truly bloom, they need a spell of cold before being cut. Ideally, there should already have been a few frosty nights. At home, place the branches in lukewarm water in a bright spot that isn’t too warm. Change the water every two to three days.
Mistletoe branch: More than just decoration
In many countries, the mistletoe branch is part of Christmas tradition — a kiss beneath the mistletoe is said to bring good luck. But mistletoe is also beautiful as a decorative element, with its white berries and evergreen leaves.
Mistletoe grows as a semi-parasitic plant on trees and is protected in the wild. That’s why you should always buy your mistletoe branches from a legal source. At MO BLUMEN, we offer fresh mistletoe branches during Advent that have been harvested sustainably.
Christmas flowers as a gift
Instead of chocolates or a bottle of wine, how about a flowering plant as a Christmas gift this year? A beautifully potted poinsettia, an elegant amaryllis in glass, or a festively arranged bouquet with holly branches and white roses — flower gifts show appreciation and bring joy. If you’d like to order a flower bouquet for the festive season, you’ll find a wide selection in our shop.
Especially practical: At MO BLUMEN, you can conveniently order Christmas plants and bouquets online and have them delivered directly to the recipient. That saves you the stress of the pre-Christmas rush. If you prefer to browse in person, you’re very welcome in our shop — you’ll also find plants in Vienna with personal advice.
How to combine Christmas plants beautifully
Christmas plants have the most beautiful effect when they’re combined with skill. An arrangement of a red poinsettia, a white amaryllis, and a few fir branches on a wooden tray looks festive and elegant. Add a few candles, and it’s complete.
Flat arrangements with Christmas roses, holly berries, and short fir branches also look wonderful on the festive table. If you’re interested in larger decorative plants, we also offer magnificent large indoor plants that make an impression all year round.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas flowers
When should I buy Christmas plants?
Poinsettias and Christmas roses are available from the end of November. Amaryllis bulbs should be planted as early as the beginning of November so they bloom in time. Barbara branches are traditionally cut on 4 December.
Why is my poinsettia losing its leaves?
The most common reasons are drafts, too much or too little water, and a spot that is too cold. Poinsettias like it warm, bright, and evenly moist — without waterlogging. Moving the plant can also cause leaf drop.
Can I get an amaryllis to bloom again every year?
Yes, with the right care, an amaryllis will bloom again every year. Continue caring for it after flowering, place it outside in summer, and from September store it in a cool, dry place. After six to eight weeks of rest, move it back to a warm spot and water sparingly.
Are poinsettias toxic to pets?
The milky sap of the poinsettia can cause stomach problems in cats and dogs. Modern cultivated varieties are less toxic than they used to be, but you should still keep the plant out of reach of pets.
Which Christmas flower lasts the longest?
The Christmas cactus is the ultimate long-blooming plant — its flowering period can last for several weeks. Christmas roses also last a very long time, both in a pot and as cut flowers. With proper care, poinsettias keep their colourful bracts well beyond Christmas.
Which Christmas flowers make a good gift?
Amaryllis in decorative glass make an elegant gift. Poinsettias in unusual colours are a lovely surprise. A festive flower bouquet with fir branches and red berries is always a wonderful choice too.
Send festive flower greetings for Christmas! At MO BLUMEN, you’ll find the most beautiful Christmas plants and festive bouquets for the holiday season. Order online or visit us at Wallensteinstraße 27, 1200 Vienna.