by Mark Evans

Red, green and white are among the most popular colours associated with Christmas. This iconic combination is believed to originate from the English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) with its evergreen leaves and bright red berries. Amidst the European snow, holly symbolised hope during the depths of winter and was integral to ancient winter solstice celebrations, long before the advent of Christmas.
In Australia, however, holly berries ripen between May and August, making it less suitable for our December festivities – unless you’re celebrating Christmas in July. Despite the abundance of plastic replicas, holly isn’t a practical choice for an Aussie Christmas.
One plant that has been adapted for our summer season is the Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). Native to Mexico, poinsettias naturally change colour in response to shorter winter days. Australian growers use light and temperature control to encourage the plant to bloom during our summer, aligning it perfectly with the holiday season. If you replant your poinsettia, expect it to revert to its natural winter flowering cycle.
For a splash of festive red from closer to home, the Metrosideros species, commonly known as the New Zealand Christmas Bush, offers an excellent alternative. With evergreen foliage and fluffy red flowers that bloom in early summer, these versatile plants range from large trees like M. excelsa to compact varieties such as ‘Little Bridget’ (1m x 1m), ‘Mini Christmas’ (2m x 1m), and ‘Firecracker’ (4m x 2m). These smaller cultivars are perfect for hedges or container planting.
Our most local and beloved native Christmas plant is the NSW Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) that grows naturally from Ulladulla to Evans Head. Like the poinsettia, its striking red hue comes not from the flowers but from the enlarged, blushing calyx lobes that appear after flowering. This plant has been a festive staple since colonial times, used much like holly in European traditions. Its vibrant red bunches make stunning, long-lasting cut flowers. Cultivars like ‘Albury’s Red Red Red’ and ‘Johana’s Christmas’ boast especially rich scarlet tones.
For a quick and easy festive touch, consider planting red and white petunias in baskets or pots. Pairing white petunias with red salvias creates another eye-catching combination. Alternatively, look for red-and-white bi-coloured petunias to bring a cheerful holiday vibe to your garden.
Around the town gardens, oleanders are putting on a flower flush, as are the bougainvillea. One of our favourite colour combinations draws to a close as the jacarandas and Illawarra flame trees wind up their festive flower drop.
In the wild places, on the Triangle roadsides, keep an eye out for the two-metre tall native shrub Ozothamnus diosmifolium, with its tight clumps of small white papery flowers occurring at the ends of branches.
In the vegie garden, it’s still a great time to plant fast-growing summer favourites such as cucumbers, beans and zucchini, as well as blocks of corn, and more tomatoes and pumpkins. Times are hot and dry, so keep up the water and mulch any bare soil. If wilting becomes a problem, consider using shade cloth during the hottest part of the day.
Any comments, gardening questions or plant or pest identification problems, send them through to gardening@thetriangle.org.au. We will get back to you.
Happy growing and Merry Christmas.