According to the Spruce Website, there are 22 popular Christmas flowers and plants. Many grow only in the northern states but many are perfectly happy in our climate.

Plant No. 1 is the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) that has evolved into a symbol of Christmas because of its festive red and green color. Poinsettias are subtropical plants that are native to Mexico. Overwatering them can be a problem as they are susceptible to root rot. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry and make sure the container has adequate drainage. Also, poinsettia need lots of bright, filtered sunlight so they don’t grow leggy.

After the holidays, Poinsettias can be planted in the Cape Coral yard in part sun/shade. They will last for years and grow into a nice shrub blooming around the holiday season. They should be pruned back about 1/3 twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.

Plant No. 2 is the holly (Ilex Opaca). However, the one we associate with Christmas has a hardiness zone of 5-9. There are a few species of hollies that grow in our Zone 10.

Plant No. 3 is mistletoe (Phoradendron leuarpum). It has become a tradition to kiss under the mistletoe during the holidays. Mistletoe is a parasite that feeds off host trees. In order to grow mistletoe, one needs host trees which grow in Zones 5-9.

Some species of yew (Taxus spp.) with their vivid red berries and evergreen foliage will grow in Zone 10. Yew shrubs are slow-growing and low-maintenance plants. Their sprigs make lovely natural holiday decorations.

Ivy (header helix) preferred growth zones are 4-9, however it does well in a pot. It is another Christmas plant that symbolizes new growth and brings good luck by warding off evil spirits.

Many people opt for a Douglas fir (Pseudosuga menziesii) to be their Christmas tree. These trees grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-6, so we won’t see any of these growing in and around Cape Coral.

This brings us to plant No. 7, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckley). The Christmas cactus is an unexpected plant for the holiday season lacking the common evergreen needles and brighter red berries. However its colorful flowers bloom during Christmastime, coming in shades of pink to red. Unlike many succulents, the tropical plant needs a fair amount of water to remain healthy. Water whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Christmas cactus do very well in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12, prefer partial sun and loamy moist well-drained soil.

Another popular Christmas tree is the blue spruce (Picea pungent). Like the Douglas fir, the blue spruce is found in Zones 2-7.

A friend of my mother’s called the wonderful amaryllis (Hippeastrum) surprise lily. They do very well in the landscape in Zone 8-10. After the plant has bloomed for Christmas, plant it in the yard. Leave half of the blue above ground. They will produce green leaves all spring an summer and at certain times of the year will bloom. They will spread nicely.

Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are similar to amaryllis in that they should be started about six weeks before Christmas. They are not my favorite because the fragrance is a little overwhelming. All one has to do to grow these for the holiday season is to put the bulbs in a container of water and gravel and wait for them to sprout. Likewise they will survive in our Cape Coral landscape.

That puts us at No. 10. Of the remaining 12, many potted plants such as orchids are used as gifts. Many others grow only in the northern states. One that should be mentioned is the Norfolk Island pine (Araucariaheterophylla) and it is not a true pine. It is often sold in grocery stores as a small shrub with red bows. It will grow in the yard in Cape Coral and many people have planted them. They become too tall for the architecture of the typical Cape Coral home and do not do well in hurricanes.

Enjoy the many plants of the season and enjoy this season with family and friends.

Kathy Woodlock is Past President of the Garden Club of Cape Coral, a Master Gardener and a FFGC Flower Show Judge.