Alternatives to the Poinsettia at Christmas

The Poinsettia, with its festive red and green colouring, is a Christmas favourite. But what if you fancy something a little bit different this Christmas? Let's take a look.

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When it comes to Christmas decorations, the Poinsettia has long been a popular choice – in fact, 8 million are sold in the UK every Christmas! But what if you fancy something a little bit different this Christmas? If you're looking to add a unique touch to your Christmas decor this year, there are several alternatives worth considering. In this article, we explore a variety of festive plants and flowers that can serve as delightful alternatives to the traditional Poinsettia, including:

• Amaryllis
• Red Roses
• Make your own Christmas flower
• Christmas Cactus
• Gerberas
• Florist’s Choice
• Cyclamen
• Chrysanthemums
• Festive foliage and accessories
• Carnations
• Rosemary

1. Amaryllis

One alternative is the Amaryllis. Known for its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers, the Amaryllis brings elegance and grace to any Christmas display. Available in various colours, including red, white, and pink, this bulbous plant can bloom for several weeks with proper care, making it a long-lasting and visually striking choice. You can even find Amaryllis as a cut flower, perfect for creating stunning floral arrangements.

2. Red Roses

Red roses are a popular choice for Christmas flowers. Their bold, vivid red colour pairs brilliantly with other Christmas flowers and festive foliage, making them a staple of Christmas bouquets. Whether used in table centrepieces or standalone arrangements, red roses bring a touch of romance and elegance to any holiday display. When sending red roses for Christmas, it's recommended to order them for delivery a couple of days before Christmas to ensure they're at their beautiful best on the big day itself.

3. Make your own Christmas flowers

For those who are feeling crafty, consider taking a wreath-making class. Not only will you end up with a gorgeous Christmas decoration, but you'll also learn a new skill along the way. Check local listings to find a class near you, many of which are run by skilled local florists, including some who are members of Direct2florist!

If you like the idea of a festive table centre but don’t have the time to make your own, check out our Yuletide Glow Christmas Candle arrangement.

4. Christmas Cactus

Another unique alternative is the Christmas Cactus, also known as Schlumbergera. With its cascading branches and vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, and white, this plant adds a touch of natural beauty to any festive setting. Unlike the relatively high-maintenance Poinsettia, the Christmas Cactus is a low-maintenance option, making it ideal for those who prefer fuss-free plants.

5. Gerberas

While not traditionally associated with Christmas, gerberas are definitely worthy of inclusion on our list of the best Christmas flowers. With their vibrant and cheerful colours, including red, white, pink, and yellow, gerberas can add a pop of colour and happiness to any festive display. These lovely flowers are symbols of happiness and cheer, which perfectly encapsulates the lively atmosphere of Christmas. Our Christmas Charm gift wrap is a perfect choice of Christmas flower delivery featuring these wonderful flowers.

6. Florist’s Choice

If you're finding it difficult to choose an alternative to the Poinsettia, why not let the experts create a unique bouquet for you? Florists use the freshest festive blooms of the day to design a one-of-a-kind arrangement tailored specifically for you or your lucky recipient.

7. Cyclamen

If you're looking for something a bit more delicate and whimsical, the Cyclamen is an excellent choice. With its delicate, upswept petals and vibrant colours, the Cyclamen brings a touch of whimsy and elegance to any holiday display. Available in shades of red, pink, and white, this plant is well-known for its ability to thrive in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a cooler indoor environment during the winter months.

8. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are another versatile and long-lasting flower that's often included in Christmas bouquets. Available in a great selection of colours and good value, chrysanthemums are a top choice for many florists when it comes to Christmas flowers. Our dreamy Joy to the World white and green hand-tied Christmas design evokes the spirit of the season in flowers – and includes some wonderful chrysanthemums.

9. Festive foliage and accessories

Of course, Christmas flowers wouldn't be complete without festive foliage and accessories. Spruce, eucalyptus, pine cones, berries, and gilded foliage are just a few examples of the additions that can take your Christmas bouquets to the next level. Consider incorporating these festive elements into your arrangements to create a truly luxurious and Christmassy display. For a truly luxurious example of Christmas foliage and flowers, see our sparkling Starlight Christmas arrangement.

10. Carnations

Available in the full spectrum of Christmas colours, durable, versatile, and easy to care for…the reasons why the humble carnation is a great Christmas flower goes on. Firmly back in fashion, expect these brilliant flowers to feature heavily this Christmas!

11. Rosemary

And finally, while it may seem unconventional, Rosemary has a long-standing association with the Christmas period. In the Middle Ages, people believed that if they smelled Rosemary on Christmas Eve, they would be healthy and happy throughout the New Year. This led to the incorporation of Rosemary in Christmas decorations, such as tabletop Christmas trees, wreaths, festive swags, and evergreen bouquets.

In conclusion, while the Poinsettia has long been a staple of Christmas decor, exploring alternatives can bring a fresh and unique touch to the Christmas season. From the vibrant blooms of the Amaryllis to the cascading branches of the Christmas Cactus, there are numerous options to choose from, each offering a range of colours, textures, and scents to enhance your festive displays. So why not step outside of the traditional and embrace a new and exciting alternative for your Christmas decorations this year?

By Austin Clark 11 October 2023