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By Andy Wilson, Horticulturist II, Pinellas County Extension Reprinted from The Understory, Dec. 2003-Jan. 2004 Florida native plants can add color and interest to holiday decorating. Hollies, are, of course, a traditional favorite for holiday decorating. Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) and 'East Palatka' holly (Ilex x attenuata 'East Palatka'), the wonderfully vigorous and fruitful hybrid of dahoon holly and American holly, both add a touch of red to holiday arrangements and wreaths with their berries. Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) can also be used, with its smaller berries glistening like red jewels against the small, boxwood-like leaves. Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) leaves are a southern favorite in wreaths, arrangements, garlands and other decorations. When used in wreaths, some or all of the leaves can be arranged with the underside forward to display the beautiful bronze pubescence that is often found on southern magnolia. The leaves will dry to a lovely brown color. The cone-like fruits of magnolia are also attractive in wreaths and other arrangements. Sand pine (Pinus clausa) with its small needles is nicely scaled for indoor and outdoor decorating. Its diminutive cones are beautiful, too. It can be used as a potted Christmas tree to plant in the landscape after the holiday. Spruce pine (Pinus glabra) works well for these uses too, though it is better suited for growing in north Florida. Branches of the longer-needled slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) can be used in larger wreaths or garlands. The cones of these pines can be wired together to produce beautiful garlands. Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is often grown as a cut or potted Christmas tree in Florida, but cut branches are beautiful for decorating too, giving a more finely textured appearance than pines. Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) can also be used. Fruiting branches of American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) are, as the name suggests, beautiful with their clusters of vibrant purple berries and can be used with other native materials or with garden or florist flowers to add touches of purple. The leaves will quickly wilt on the harvested branches so it is best to remove them before use if they have not already dropped off naturally. Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) branches, with or without their small grayish berries, can be used to add green foliage to arrangements. The foliage will wither quickly out of water but should last at least a few days in water. Florida anise (Illicium floridanum) and yellow anise (Illicium parviflorum) both provide branches of handsome green leaves. Like the wax myrtle, they do not last long out of water. No list of natives for holiday decorating would be complete without a mention of our native grapevines (Vitis spp.). Ever popular for homemade wreaths, they can also be used as a sturdy and flexible base for garlands, twisted or woven into a variety of shapes or used simply for the beauty of the flowing lines of the vines. Whether you plan to decorate in grand style or quite simply, include some of these natives in your holiday decorating and celebrate the season, Florida style. |
