Bring the outdoors in using foliage this Christmas

Festive-loving Britons are bringing the outdoors in over the Christmas period.

The outdoor experts at Pergolux UK have advice on the best foliage to bring into your home to create a festive vibe.

Pergolux suggests introducing holly, mistletoe and ivy into wreaths, and garlands as well as adding to the Christmas tree for a natural look.

Potted poinsettia and cyclamen will also bring a touch of colour wherever they’re placed around the home, as can cut Christmas roses.

These can all be used outside the home in sheltered spots, turning a summerhouse or covered pergola into a festive hideaway during the holiday season.

Sam Stevens from Pergolux UK said: “Filling the house with Christmas blooms and festive foliage is a lovely way to bring the outdoors in. And nothing speaks of Christmas more than a sprig of holly on the mantel, mistletoe hung in the doorway or a colourful poinsettia gracing the festive table.

“Why not try taking some of these festive treats outside too? A summerhouse, covered pergola or any outdoor space can be turned into a festive hideaway with some natural decor taken straight from the garden.

“If you are bringing plants like cyclamen and poinsettia into your home do remember to water when needed and keep them away from direct sunlight.”

Here are Pergolux UK‘s tips for bringing the outdoors in this Christmas:

Poinsettia

Poinsettias are a popular Christmas decoration. Use them as a centrepiece on the table, add the flowers to a wreath or fill your mantel with them. As a live plant, they do need care. Water sparingly when the compost feels dry and keep out of direct sunlight.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen are full of flowers over the festive season and are a welcome addition to any Christmas display. These plants add a splash of colour, whether on the festive table for Christmas dinner, on a windowsill or even outside when protected from the elements under a pergola or in the summerhouse. Remember to water directly into the soil when it feels dry and deadhead regularly.

Holly

Holly is the ultimate Christmas foliage and has numerous uses. It will make the perfect wreath for the door or to hang in a window and is a great centrepiece for a Christmas table display. Add a piece of holly to table settings or as decoration on gifts. Holly branches look festive on a mantel or with springs hung off the main Christmas tree.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe adds a festive touch to your home. The tradition of hanging mistletoe dates back to the Druids who believed it brought good luck and protected against evil spirits. The tradition of kissing under it comes from Norse mythology with mistletoe symbolising love. Hang in open doorways, off your pergola, on your Christmas tree, or use in wreaths and garlands.

Christmas rose

The Christmas Rose, also known as Helleborus, is full of beautiful white blooms in the winter months. Cut from the garden, Christmas roses make an elegant centrepiece to the festive table. You could even include it in an arrangement with lights or candles. The floating flowers look lovely in a bowl of water with floating candles.

Ivy

Ivy is a versatile plant that can add festive interest. Add to a wreath or table setting, and for an impressive centrepiece, place in a glass bowl with flowers and a candle. Ivy also makes an eye-catching garland. Wrap around a staircase bannister, or pergola leg, adding faux berries for a festive feel.