Walking into a Washington State botanical nursery in mid-December feels like stepping into a little world where holiday trees and winter plants quietly compete for your attention.
Every corner surprises you with something charming, from glowing evergreens to quirky indoor plants people can’t stop talking about.
I always love how these nurseries manage to make the cold season feel a bit brighter with all the variety they put on display.
1. Noble Fir Christmas Trees
Noble firs reign supreme as Washington’s favorite holiday tree, and nurseries across the state proudly display these magnificent evergreens throughout December.
Grown right in the Pacific Northwest’s ideal climate, these trees feature sturdy branches that hold even the heaviest ornaments without drooping.
Their blue-green needles stay fresh for weeks, filling your home with that classic Christmas scent families remember from childhood.
Washington nurseries often let you choose from pre-cut trees or tag a living one to take home in a container.
The needles have excellent retention, meaning you won’t find yourself vacuuming pine debris every morning before school.
Many local growers in Washington take pride in sustainable farming practices that protect the beautiful forests surrounding their nurseries.
Prices vary depending on height, but supporting local tree farms helps your community thrive during the holiday season and beyond.
2. Poinsettia Plants in Festive Colors
Poinsettias burst onto nursery display tables each December, transforming garden centers into seas of crimson, cream, and even marbled pink.
Originally from Mexico, these cheerful plants have become holiday staples that Washington residents snap up for mantels, dining tables, and gift-giving.
Contrary to old myths, poinsettias aren’t dangerous to pets, though munching leaves might cause a minor tummy ache, so keep them out of reach.
Nursery staff in Washington can teach you simple care tricks like avoiding cold drafts and watering only when soil feels dry to touch.
The colorful parts aren’t actually flowers but modified leaves called bracts that last for months with proper attention.
Beyond traditional red, nurseries now stock varieties with speckled patterns, pure white elegance, or sunset-orange hues that match any decorating style.
These plants thrive indoors during Washington’s chilly, wet December weather, bringing tropical warmth to your cozy living spaces.
3. Amaryllis Bulbs Ready to Bloom
Few gifts match the drama of an amaryllis bulb that shoots up tall stems crowned with enormous trumpet-shaped flowers during winter.
Washington nurseries stock these spectacular bulbs already potted or packaged in gift boxes, making them perfect presents for gardening enthusiasts.
Within weeks of planting, you’ll witness green shoots emerge and climb upward like magic beanstalks, reaching heights that astonish first-time growers.
The blooms come in shades ranging from candy-cane striped to deep burgundy, pure white, or peachy salmon that brightens gray December days.
Unlike finicky orchids, amaryllis bulbs forgive beginner mistakes and reward minimal care with stunning results that last through the holiday season.
Many Washington families start a tradition of gifting these bulbs to teachers, neighbors, or relatives who appreciate living decorations over cut flowers.
After blooming, the bulbs can rest and rebloom next year, creating lasting memories tied to Pacific Northwest holiday traditions.
4. Wreaths Made from Local Evergreens
Crafted from freshly cut cedar, Douglas fir, and pine branches, handmade wreaths at Washington nurseries smell absolutely incredible when you walk past them.
Local artisans often assemble these decorations right on nursery grounds, weaving in pinecones, berries, and ribbons that capture Pacific Northwest character.
Hanging one on your front door welcomes guests with natural beauty that synthetic versions simply cannot replicate, no matter how realistic they claim.
Washington’s damp December climate actually helps keep these wreaths fresh longer than they’d last in drier states, maintaining their fragrance for weeks.
Nurseries offer various sizes from petite door hangers to massive statement pieces designed for barn doors or commercial spaces seeking rustic elegance.
Some include battery-operated lights woven through the branches, creating a warm glow that greets you during those early-dark winter evenings.
Supporting wreath-makers at local nurseries keeps traditional crafts alive while giving your home an authentic, handcrafted touch that neighbors admire.
5. Cyclamen Plants for Indoor Color
Cyclamen plants look like butterflies have landed all over their heart-shaped leaves, with delicate upswept petals in shades from blush to magenta.
Washington nurseries feature these European natives prominently in December because they actually prefer the cool temperatures that make other houseplants sulk and struggle.
Unlike tropical plants that demand constant warmth, cyclamen thrive in the 60-degree rooms typical of energy-conscious Pacific Northwest homes during winter.
Their blooms last for months when placed in bright, indirect light near windows where you can admire their graceful form throughout the season.
Watering from below prevents crown rot, a simple trick nursery experts in Washington happily demonstrate to ensure your plant stays healthy and vibrant.
These plants make thoughtful gifts for apartment dwellers or anyone without space for a full-sized Christmas tree but craving living holiday color.
After blooming, cyclamen can rest during summer and return next winter, becoming a cherished part of your Washington home’s seasonal rhythm.
6. Christmas Cactus in Full Bloom
Christmas cactus plants confuse people with their name since they look nothing like desert dwellers but instead sport cascading segments topped with tubular flowers.
Washington nurseries showcase these reliable bloomers each December, when their vibrant pink, red, white, or salmon flowers appear right on schedule for the holidays.
Originally from Brazilian rainforests, these plants actually enjoy the same moderate temperatures and humidity that make Washington winters comfortable for indoor living.
Grandmothers across the Pacific Northwest have kept the same Christmas cactus alive for decades, passing down care wisdom along with plant cuttings.
The secret to blooming involves giving them cool nights and longer darkness periods starting in fall, which Washington’s natural light cycle provides automatically.
Unlike true cacti, these plants need regular watering and dislike drying out completely, making them forgiving companions for busy families during hectic December schedules.
Nursery staff in Washington can help you select mature plants already covered in buds, guaranteeing spectacular holiday displays in your home.
7. Rosemary Shaped into Topiaries
Rosemary topiaries trimmed into miniature Christmas tree shapes offer a clever two-in-one gift that’s both decoration and cooking ingredient throughout winter.
Washington nurseries train these fragrant herbs into perfect cones, sometimes adding tiny ornaments or gold stars to emphasize their festive resemblance to evergreens.
Running your fingers over the needle-like leaves releases an aromatic scent that combines pine freshness with savory Mediterranean notes, instantly improving kitchen ambiance.
These living topiaries sit happily on sunny windowsills, providing fresh herbs for roasted potatoes, lamb dishes, or homemade bread during December’s feast-filled days.
Unlike cut trees that eventually head to the compost pile, rosemary plants can grow for years, either indoors or transplanted to Washington gardens.
The plants prefer cooler temperatures and good air circulation, conditions that match typical Pacific Northwest homes better than overheated spaces in other regions.
Gifting one shows thoughtfulness and practicality, especially for friends who love cooking with fresh ingredients even during the coldest months of winter.
8. Paperwhite Narcissus Bulbs
Paperwhite narcissus bulbs require no soil and barely any effort, yet they reward you with clusters of star-shaped white flowers and heavenly fragrance.
Washington nurseries sell these bulbs loose or pre-arranged in glass containers filled with decorative stones, making them instant decorations once you add water.
Within two to three weeks, green shoots emerge and race upward, eventually opening into blooms that perfume entire rooms with their sweet scent.
Kids find these bulbs fascinating to watch, making them excellent educational projects that teach patience and observation during the long December school break.
Some people find the fragrance overpowering, so placing them in entryways or bathrooms rather than small bedrooms works better for sensitive noses.
The flowers lack the bright colors of other bulbs but make up for it with their pure, elegant simplicity that complements any decorating style.
After blooming, these bulbs typically won’t rebloom indoors, but composting them returns nutrients to Washington gardens, completing a natural cycle that feels environmentally responsible.
9. Potted Evergreen Shrubs
Potted evergreen shrubs like boxwood, dwarf Alberta spruce, and compact junipers offer flexibility for renters or anyone wanting temporary holiday greenery with future potential.
Washington nurseries stock these container plants knowing customers appreciate options beyond cut trees that serve only one season before becoming mulch or firewood.
Decorating a living shrub with lights and small ornaments creates a charming display that can later transition to your patio or eventually into garden beds.
The plants tolerate cold December weather on covered porches, staying fresh without indoor heating that might stress them before spring planting arrives.
Choosing native Washington evergreens like dwarf Western red cedar supports local ecosystems and ensures the plants will thrive once transplanted into your landscape.
Nursery experts can advise on proper care during the indoor holiday period, including watering schedules and how to gradually acclimate plants before moving them outside.
This approach reduces waste while letting you enjoy living decorations that grow more beautiful each year, creating lasting value from your December purchase.
10. Succulent Gardens in Festive Containers
Succulent gardens arranged in festive bowls, vintage tins, or ceramic containers bring modern style to holiday gift-giving while requiring almost zero maintenance effort.
Washington nurseries create these arrangements using varieties in seasonal colors like burgundy echeveria, jade green crassula, and silvery-blue senecio that echo winter palettes.
Perfect for forgetful waterers or travelers, succulents store moisture in their thick leaves and forgive neglect better than any other houseplant category.
The compact arrangements fit on desks, bathroom counters, or bedside tables where larger plants would crowd precious space in apartments and small homes.
Unlike flowers that fade within days, these living sculptures maintain their beauty for years with nothing more than occasional watering and bright light.
Washington’s mild indoor winter temperatures suit succulents perfectly, avoiding the extreme heat or cold that can stress these adaptable but particular plants.
Nursery designers often add decorative elements like miniature reindeer, tiny pinecones, or sparkly stones that enhance the holiday theme without overwhelming the natural beauty.