With all the attention on Poinsettias, Amaryllis, and of course Christmas trees, we wanted to do a feature of all the seasonal woody plants that get swept under the rug. We’ll go in-depth with beautiful photos, a detailed description, and year-round care tips for each!
Rosemary Cones
Rosemary Cones
Rosemary cones are a festive twist on the traditional rosemary plant, shaped into elegant conical forms resembling miniature Christmas trees. This aromatic herb is not only visually appealing but also functional in the kitchen.
Year-Round Care
Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and with plenty of light. If kept in a pot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. In the ground, plant in a sunny spot with space for air circulation. Prune regularly to maintain shape.
Though rosemary are especially hardy to our more mild freezes, preparation before a freeze event is always recommended to protect your plants.
Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and with plenty of light. If kept in a pot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. In the ground, plant in a sunny spot with space for air circulation. Prune regularly to maintain shape.
Though rosemary are especially hardy to our more mild freezes, preparation before a freeze event is always recommended to protect your plants.
Lemon Cypress
Lemon Cypress
Lemon Cypress is characterized by its bright green, needle-like foliage and a lemony scent. These small trees are often shaped into perfect conical forms for the holiday season.
Year-Round Care
This plant prefers a cool, humid environment and indirect sunlight. After what we went through this past summer, that means protecting it from the harsh afternoon sun. Water regularly but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress
Leyland Cypress is a fast-growing evergreen with dense, feathery foliage. Around Christmas, they’re often sold as live Christmas trees, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional cut trees. Its rapid growth and dense foliage also make it a popular choice for privacy hedges and windbreaks.
Year-Round Care
Leyland Cypress requires full sun and well-drained soil. Water it deeply but infrequently, and ensure it’s planted in a location that accommodates its potential size. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Just for reference, leyland cypress planted in-ground can grow from 40-60 ft tall!
Norfolk Pines
Norfolk Pines
Norfolk Pines feature soft, symmetrical branches and a graceful, upright form. They’re not true pines but offer a similar aesthetic, making them popular as living Christmas trees.
These plants can grow quite large over time, making them excellent long-term houseplants or garden trees in the right conditions.
Year-Round Care
They need bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Protect them from the direct summer sun. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings. They can be sensitive to overwatering and extreme temperature changes (will experience cold shock at 25-30 degrees, so be careful of planting in-ground).
Eugenia Plant
Eugenia Plant
Eugenia plants, often shaped into topiaries or wreaths for the holidays, boast lush, glossy leaves and a compact growth habit. Louisiana Nursery stocks them in a wide variety of shapes; conical, rounded, multi-ball, and spirals!
Year-Round Care
This is the least cold-hardy plant on our list and as such we suggest keeping potted year-round. Eugenias are actually tropical, so even a light cold-snap should mean moving your plants indoors to somewhere warm.
Besides mistaking eugenias for evergreen plants, the other most common way people kill their plant is overwatering. Eugenias may do best with a bit of moisture, but it should be deep waterings with plenty of time to dry inbetween.
