What are the best plants to give as a Christmas present?

Plants make excellent gifts, not just for Christmas, but for any occasion. Giving a plant as a gift ensures continuous enjoyment, engagement and entertainment to the recipient. Not to mention, the mental health benefit of growing and nurturing plants adds an extra level of love to your gift. Some plants come with stories, legends and even ancient folklore which can add a special level of meaning to your gift.

If buying for a beginner houseplant parent, you may want to select something easy to maintain, such as a peace lily, known its air purifying qualities. In Chinese culture, the peace lily is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, attracting positive energy to the home or business. In Christian culture, the peace lily is a symbol of the Virgin Mary and is used in religious ceremonies such as weddings and baptisms.

The most popular Christmas plant is the poinsettia. Originating in South America, the poinsettia’s Christmas popularity comes from a Mexican folktale about Pepita who, did not have a gift for the baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services, she picked a bouquet of weeds which she left at the bottom of the nativity scene. The weeds transformed into bright red, star-shaped flowers and from that day on, they became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”

Whether in pots or borders, hellebore is a beautiful gift idea. The helleborus niger, also known as the Christmas rose, is a favourite with pretty flowers from midwinter to early spring. In the Middle Ages, the Christmas rose was used as an ingredient in witches' ointments and considered to be an elixir for eternal youth. The moniker 'Christmas rose' stems from tale about a young shepherdess, Madelon, who was tending her flock one night and met the three wise men with their gifts for the baby Jesus. Madelon wept because she had nothing to give. However, as her tears fell to the ground an angel parted the snow to reveal a plant with beautiful white flowers – a Christmas rose – and, obviously, the perfect gift.

Holly is an iconic Christmas plant, with its distinctive berries and glossy leaves, it’s red berries and spikey leaves were said to represent Christ's blood and his crown of thorns. Others believe having holly in the home will ward off evil spirits – making sure nothing can threaten the Christmas cheer!

For something a bit different, a gift of potted rosemary can have many symbolic meanings. During the Middle Ages, rosemary was often spread on the ground so its fragrance would fill the air when guests walked upon it. The belief was that if you smelt rosemary on Christmas Eve, you would have a year of health and happiness. There are also various Christian legends that include rosemary on Christmas eve, one of which is that Mary’s blue cloak brushed a rosemary bush on the eve of their escape to Bethlehem, which turned its white flowers blue.

If you are lucky enough to receive a planted gift, remember to place it somewhere suitable. For houseplants, out of a draft and away from direct heat sources for instance, whilst outdoor plants should be kept as cool as possible.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, unique gift that will be loved and appreciated for years to come, consider giving a plant.

Jobs for the December garden

Periodically check frost protection is still in place around tender plants

Prune apples now to create a good shape and more productive tree next year.

Check your greenhouse regularly – heaters, bubble wrap, vents etc. all need looking after. Any plants overwintering there should also be inspected, removing any leaves that are dying back to avoid pest and disease taking hold.

Reduce watering of houseplants but ensure they don’t get too hot and dry from central heating.

Keep poinsettias away from draughts and direct heat and keep moist.

Check climbing plants are tied in well as wind can catch loose plants, pulling supports away with them.