A simple Advent wreath with plants

Share on

In terms of tradition, the Advent wreath is sacrosanct; however, the tradition does not necessarily have to be associated with a holly wreath with red ribbons or dusty candle holders. Use the lovely seasonal pot plants as untraditional, vibrant Christmas decorations to challenge traditions.

With living plants, you can create a beautiful Advent wreath that stays fresh throughout December, simply water it and place it in a bright position. The range of plants suited for Advent wreaths is wide. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), cyclamens (Cyclamen persicum) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) are perfect; however, you can also go your own, untraditional way.

You decide how difficult it has to be. With a round tray or a cake tin you are well on the way to create an Advent wreath. The simplest model consists of four plants in four pots or glasses. Arrange the plants in a row or a square, and place candles in them. A very simple but impressive decoration.

You can make a simple Advent decoration with mini-Schlumbergera. Put a small glass bowl into a larger one, and place some mini-Schlumbergera plants, without pots, in a ring. Place four tealight holders onto stems (here we have used hogweed) and insert them at four different heights between the plants. Finally, decorate the bottom with some small cut-up willow twigs and a dogwood branch.

A completely simple Advent decoration is Muehlenbeckias and Hederas planted in small glasses and mounted on a frame with bonsai wire. Let the vines of the plants weave their way between the candles and create a warm Christmas atmosphere. Choose candles that match the colours of the base.

What you get are light, natural decorations that underline the Christmas atmosphere beautifully. Not to mention the side benefits: the decorations will remain fresh and beautiful throughout December and reduce the risk of fire considerably compared to dry holly or twig wreaths.