Maintenance Landscaping Design

Christmas bush is a member of the myrtle family and is an Australian native. It has many small, deep green leaves and its flowers are white and appear in summer. The plant grows to about two meters in height and flowers from December to January.

Popular name

• Nuytsia floribunda
  
• Christmas tree
  
• Christmas cactus
  
• Poinsettia
  
• Holly

Things to Know

• Christmas bush is an evergreen shrub of the myrtle family, native to Australia.
  
• It grows to 2–5 metres (6–14 ft) in height and has glossy green leaves.
  
• The small white flowers appear in spring and early summer, followed by spherical blue-black berries.
  
• The berries are poisonous to humans but are popular with birds.
  
• Christmas bush is often used as a Christmas decoration in Australia.
  
• It can be used as a cut flower and is also popular in floral arrangements.
  
• The leaves and berries can be used to make a herbal tea.
  
• Christmas bush is a low-maintenance plant and is relatively drought-tolerant.
  
• It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but will tolerate some shade.
  
• Christmas bush is relatively pest- and disease-free.

Related plant:
Christmas Tree Plant

Growing Steps

1. For christmas bush, first step is to find a sunny spot in your yard.
   
2. Then, turn the soil over in the chosen spot and add some organic matter.
   
3. Next, you will need to dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your plant.
   
4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the soil you removed.
   
5. Water the plant deeply.
   
6. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
   
7. fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
   
8. Prune the plant as needed to encourage new growth.
   
9. Watch for pests and diseases and take action as needed.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful christmas bush!

Related plant:
Potted Christmas Tree

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Christmas bush prefers soil that is well drained and not too wet. It also does best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. If your soil is too alkaline, you can improve it by adding sulfur or other organic matter.

About light

So, like the other popular Christmas plants, such as holly and mistletoe, the Christmas bush (Nuytsia floribunda) is a sun-loving plant that needs at least six hours of sunlight each day to thrive. If you live in an area with cool winters and hot summers, it's best to plant the Christmas bush in a spot that gets some afternoon shade to protect it from the hottest sun.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the Christmas bush is best described as cool to cold. The bush prefers temperatures that are not too hot or too cold, and will not tolerate extreme conditions well. Christmas bushes can be found in many different climates, but they are most commonly found in temperate regions.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become dormant. If the humidity is too high, the plant will start to produce new growth which can be susceptible to diseases.

Fertilizing

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is not fussy and will do best with a balanced mix applied in early spring. If you want to encourage extra flowers, give an extra shot of phosphorus-rich fertilizer in early fall. Depending on the plant, you may also be able to find a fertilizer product specifically made for Christmas bush. When it comes to watering, the Christmas bush prefers moist to slightly dry conditions. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out in between waterings. These plants are also quite tolerant of both heat and cold, so there is no need to worry about babying them. As far as the root system goes, Christmas bush has a moderate root system that is not known for being overly aggressive.

About light

Pruning a Christmas bush is an important step in maintaining its health and preventing damage to the plant. While the bush is dormant, prune away any dead or damaged branches. Cut back any overgrown branches to maintain the plant's natural shape.

About Propagating

Propagation of Christmas bush is best done from seed sown in spring. However, seed from the previous year's berries can be used if it is still viable. To test for viability, place the seeds on a damp paper towel and roll it up. Place the paper towel in a plastic bag and place it in a warm location for two weeks. If the seeds germinate, they can be planted. If not, they should be discarded. To plant the seeds, fill a seed flat or pot with a well-draining potting mix. Place the seeds on the surface of the mix and lightly press them in. Water the mix well and place the flat or pot in a warm, sunny location. Keep the mix moist but not soggy. The seedlings will emerge in 10-14 days. Once they have two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Christmas bush can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is during the spring and summer. However, during the fall and winter, growth rate decreases. The average christmas bush grows at a rate of about 1 to 2 inches per year. However, some bushes can grow at a rate of up to 4 inches per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are over watering, under watering, and pests. If you over water your christmas bush, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off. If you under water your christmas bush, the leaves will start to wilt and the branches will become weak. Pests such as aphids, mites, and scale can also cause problems for christmas bush. If you see any of these problems, you should take action immediately to fix the problem.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your Christmas bush in a well-draining location.
  
• Water regularly, but do not over-water.
  
• Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
  
• Prune regularly to encourage new growth and to maintain the desired shape.
  
• Protect from strong winds and harsh sunlight.
  
• Bring indoors during the winter months.
  
• Place in a bright location.
  
• Water when the soil is dry to the touch.
  
• Fertilize every other month during the winter.
  
• Repot every two to three years.

Substitution

• Australian honeysuckle (Richardsonia scabra)
  
• Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)
  
• Banksia (Banksia serrata)
  
• Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
  
• Grevillea (Grevillea robusta)
  
• Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi)
  
• Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda)
  
• Waratah (Telopea speciosissima)
  
• Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos spp.)
  
• Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)

Source:
Christmas Palm - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida
FPS-356/FP356: Lycium carolinianum Christmas Berry - University of Florida
Thanksgiving & Christmas Cacti | Home & Garden Information …