Top 5 most popular Christmas flowers

Amaryllis

Amaryllis can undoubtedly be described as divas, as they proudly bear huge flower funnels on strong flower stems in winter and at best tolerate their equals next to them. Amaryllis are perfect vase flowers, ideal for transparent glass vases.

It cuts a splendid figure: as a blooming decoration for the Christmas season, it brings colour into the winter with its red, white or pink flowers and lasts for up to three weeks.

However, it does not particularly like being too deep in water, as it then tends to rot. A temperature of 16 to a maximum of 22 °C is a good temperature to ensure that you can enjoy it for a long time.

Typically, not all buds on the amaryllis open at the same time. Withered flowers should be removed to make room for the new buds underneath.

Christmas roses

The Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) really has no fear of frost, it even dares to come out of the ground in the middle of winter and enchants us with its flowers. Because when it is stormy and snowing outside, when the frost freezes all life, the Christmas roses are at their best. They originally come from South East Asia.

They are the perfect vase flower, with their white blossoms providing a cheerful mood on dark winter days. The Christmas rose prefers to be placed in a vase on its own and without any accessories. Just make sure it is not too warm.

To prolong its life, cut the flower stem in half or crosswise at the lower end.

Barbara branches

Give your luck a little boost! If you place the branches of St Barbara in a vase on 4 December and they show their flowers exactly on Christmas morning, this promises you a large portion of luck in the coming year.

If they have not yet experienced frost outdoors, place the cut branches in the freezer for a few hours or on the balcony or terrace on a cold frosty night so that they can bloom.

The fragrant flowers look even prettier in rustic old earthenware pots than in a glass vase.

Ilex

Ilex, also known as holly, is a classic that should not be missed. Whether on its own or together with other flowers in a vase, it heralds the Christmas spirit with its red berries. It is also appreciated for its long shelf life.

The positive message it represents in the language of flowers is hope and love. It belongs to the Aqulifoliaceae family and is native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia. There are 400-600 species.

As beautiful as the twigs are, you should be careful with the berries as they are poisonous. Children and animals should be kept away from them.

Ornamental apple

Its small apples are usually firmer than garden apples and have a much more bitter flavour. They usually have a light red to dark red colour, but there are also varieties with yellow or yellow-red fruit.

The apples are great for flavouring compotes, sweet cider and juice. The high pectin content ensures that they can be used as a gelling aid for jams and jellies.

The ornamental apple comes from New Zealand and belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae). It is not only a pretty sight, but also a welcome source of food for bees and other insects.