
What I look for in a Christmas plant is colour, texture, aroma, cheer and a healthy dose of nostalgia. For me, a bright colour is really important to forget about the dark nights and low temperatures, but I also love traditional plants with berries, such as holly and mistletoe.
- Shilpa’s five favourite Christmas plants
- Make a Handmade Christmas wreath with Shilpa Redddy
- Listen to Shilpa make a wreath on the BBC Gardeners’ World Podcast.
Euphorbia pulcherrimum

I love poinsettia at Christmas because it reminds me of happy past Christmases. I love the boldness of the star-shaped leaves and, although red is the most common, other colours such as pinks and creams have been created in recent years. It makes a great Christmas house plant, lasting well into the New Year and bringing cheer and colour throughout the winter. It also loves being inside in a warm, cosy environment.
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