Poinsettias and Christmas cactus are traditional favorites for the holiday season, but there are many more vibrant and unique plants available to help you add to your own Southwest-inspired experience. Here are some beloved plants perfect for enhancing your holiday decorations.
Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) – Citrus and pomegranates are popular fruits that are ready for harvest during the holiday season. Why not consider adding persimmons to your selection? Their vibrant, bright-orange fruit is sure to enhance the festive atmosphere. Persimmons are drought-tolerant trees that are resistant to most pests and diseases. Some excellent varieties to try growing include Fuyu, Izu and Hachiya, which thrive in the Phoenix area and are perfect for beginners. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to leave them on the tree until they are fully ripe and soften. Persimmons can be incorporated into a range of holiday dishes, whether in tarts or wrapped in prosciutto for a delightful sweet-and-savory combination.
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) and Myrrh (Commiphora spp.) – Frankincense and myrrh, members of the Torchwood (Burseraceae) family, are integral to various cultural holiday traditions. Each plant boasts a rich history, having been traded for its aromatic saps or resins, frequently used in incense, and once regarded as more valuable than gold. Did you know that both can thrive in the desert southwest and are available for purchase at the Garden’s Plant Sales? They flourish in warm locations that offer protection from occasional frosts. During the warm season, they require more frequent watering, while in winter, when they shed their leaves, watering should be reduced. Though they grow slowly, they can eventually develop into trees, so ensure you have adequate space for them to flourish. Short on space? No worries! They can easily grow in pots, and many collectors often cultivate them in bonsai form.
White Sage (Salvia apiana) – Aroma holds a significant influence in evoking memories and creating a cozy holiday atmosphere. Imagine the delightful scents of orange and clove, pine and gingerbread cookies that bring comfort and joy during this festive season. To enhance your holiday fragrance collection, consider growing white sage. You may recognize these plants, often sold as smudge sticks or incense. With its striking silver leaves and wand-like flowers that bloom in spring, white sage is both beautiful and functional. During the summer months, it’s essential to water carefully as the plant goes dormant. For optimal growth, it thrives best in filtered light or with eastern exposure in the low desert.
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)– Norfolk Island Pine is a versatile choice for the holidays, seamlessly enhancing any home decor. Whether you prefer a contemporary aesthetic or a rustic, woodsy ambiance, this tree can help you achieve your ideal festive design. An intriguing evergreen that is best cultivated as a houseplant. This plant is not particularly demanding, as long as you maintain slightly moist soil and place it in a well-lit area. It might lean towards the light, so be sure to rotate it occasionally to encourage upright growth. Remember to fertilize it regularly, at least twice a year with a granular fertilizer. This plant makes an excellent holiday decoration for tabletops, or if you prefer not to commit to a live evergreen tree, consider this delightful option.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Enhancing your home with fresh, aromatic greenery has become simpler by growing rosemary in your garden. This plant is ideal for creating home-grown holiday decorations, allowing you to easily snip what you need for festive wreaths, embellish your holiday trees, or tuck sprigs into wrapped gifts and seasonal bouquets. The best part is that it fills your home with a delightful fragrance. Rosemary thrives in sunny spots, requires little water and is heat-tolerant. One of its best features is the lovely winter color it brings with its baby blue flowers. If you’re limited on space, consider growing it in a container using a mix of potting soil and pumice for optimal growth.
Horticulture Tip:
When collecting foliage from your plants, you’re engaging in pruning. Take time to thoughtfully decide which stems to trim and which to retain. Make sure to distribute your cuts evenly to maintain the plant’s natural shape. Additionally, avoid removing more than 25% of the plant at any given time and don’t leave stubs!
