Gift Idea: Beautiful and Unusual Plants for Christmas...

There are several plants that are associated with the Christmas season in North America -- indeed, what would Christmas be without the likes of holly and poinsettias?

Here are seven gift ideas of Christmas plants... alternatives to the standard poinsettia:

(Click here for our three favorite online sources for these plants.)

Beautiful Plant Gift Idea #1: Cyclamen Plant

Perhaps our favorite, Cyclamen plants have a winter flower that is red or white, making them one of the most appropriate Christmas gifts. After the plant is done flowering (usually in late spring), stop watering it and let the corm dry out. Store it until late summer, and then re-pot using fresh compost. Start watering again, and the blooms will re-appear. Ours have lasted years!

Beautiful Plant Gift Idea #2: Christmas Cactus

A cactus with a winter bloom that consists of a 'spray' of bright pink flowers -- this one is a classic among gift ideas at Christmas. Christmas cacti require a bit more water over the summer, but can be placed outside until before the frost hits again. Very beautiful -- and they often bloom annually!

Beautiful Plant Gift Idea #3: Azalea

A small outdoor 'shrub' with bright red flowers, this plant can be taken outside after the last frost, and 'sunk' into the earth still in its pot. Bring it back in before the first frost in the autumn, and it should bloom again in time for NEXT Christmas. One of the best plant gift ideas!

Beautiful Plant Gift Idea #4: Christmas Begonia

This winter potted plant was first introduced in Scandinavia. With the typical red or white flowers that make it one of the most popular Christmas gifts, the Christmas begonia can't be made to re-bloom each year. But stem cuttings can be taken after the Christmas season... and a new plant begun.

Beautiful Plant Gift Idea #5: The Kalanchoe plant

A popular Christmas succulent that will bloom for almost two months. It grows 8 - 12 inches tall with masses of small four-petaled leaves that can be red, orange, coral, gold, yellow and purple. Unusual and very pretty.

Beautiful Plant Gift Idea #6: Holly bush

One of the oldest plant gift ideas, the holly tree has been associated with Christmas since ancient Roman times -- and it's one of the few plants that can be grown in all 50 states.

Beautiful Plant Gift Idea #7: Olive Tree

One of the strongest trees, the olive tree is the symbol of the spiritual heritage of the Jewish people, so it is one of the most appropriate plant gift ideas for the holiday season. Long clusters of flowers make it a pleasing addition as an indoor or outdoor plant.

Here are three of our favorite places to buy plants: Spring Hill, Windowbox, and Yardiac. Just type the name of the plant in the search box when you visit each site.