SEASONAL STARS
Can’t choose between flowers or foliage for your festive styling? Go for both – and plenty of it!
THE FLOWERS
Poinsettia The red ‘flowers’ are not flowers technically, but bracts. This festive favourite (left) looks stunning when styled in groups of three. Cream varieties are also available. Amaryllis Tall and stately, these elegant blooms come in a variety of shades from winter white to ruby red. Christmas rose As its name suggests, Helleborus niger, with its large white flowers, blooms around Christmas time, making it the perfect choice for your winter home. Hyacinth Add a splash of colour to your room with these delightfully scented blooms. Place in a cool, bright spot to keep them looking their best. Hydrangea The large, multi-petalled mophead hydrangeas make a stunning centrepiece when fresh, and you can use the dried heads in pretty mixed wreaths.
THE FOLIAGE
Mistletoe It wouldn’t be Christmas without mistletoe (left). Its evergreen leaves and abundant white berries will stay fresh for a few weeks after harvesting. Eucalyptus Bluish-green in colour with a slight tinge of silver, the slender leaves have a delightful piney scent and are wonderful woven into garlands and wreaths. Holly With its deep green, prickly leaves and bright red or black berries, this seasonal staple is a must for wreaths. Ivy You can’t have holly without ivy. Use it in garlands and wreaths, trailing out of arrangements, or to surround candles on a platter for a decorative centrepiece. Pussy willow The dried stems of the Salix discolor are covered in fuzzy catkins. Place in a clear glass vase or jar and weave through with fairy lights for a twinkling display.
THE POTTED PLANTS
Bring the garden inside with our pick of best potted plants for Christmas
Cyclamen These hardy plants (left) provide colour from late winter to early spring and like a position with lots of natural light. thompson-morgan.com Christmas cactus Flowering from late November to late January, Schlumbergera prefer semi-shaded spots and will reward you with a riot of colourful blooms. prickldn.com Cymbidium Flowering from mid-autumn to mid-spring, this orchid thrives in cool temperatures. mcbeansorchids.com Gardenia With deep green foliage and showy flowers, these are perfect for south-facing windows. thompson-morgan.com Jasmine A scented climber with pretty flowers, this makes a statement in sheltered porches or conservatories. crocus.co.uk