This week, a question about living Christmas trees.
Q: I want to have a living Christmas tree this year – something in a pot that I can plant outside after New Year’s. What can I use? I love Noble and Fraser firs, but I know those can’t possibly live around here.
A: There are aromatic, evergreen plants we can use around here that we can use as a Christmas tree, but you’re right, the firs would stand no chance in our summers. Many pines have soil issues in our area as well – the high soil pH can cause problems. Fortunately, there are some exceptions!
Eldarica pines are an excellent choice, but you have to plant them in the correct spot after Christmas. Eldarica pines are a fast-growing pine that can eventually reach 40′ tall, and make an excellent screen or windbreak, but you’ll need to plant them in a drier area that’s raised up a bit above grade, one not heavily watered by your sprinkler system. Try to place the living tree near a sunny window while it’s inside the home, and water the plant sparingly while it’s inside. Planted outside, if you’re in doubt whether the plant needs water yet, it probably doesn’t.
Another common choice for this purpose is blue point juniper. Blue point junipers make excellent corner plants and can be kept neatly sheared for use near front doors or for use as individual upright accents in the yard.
Both plants will hold light ornaments and small Christmas light strands (LED or small bulbs). Avoid using older, large bulb incandescent light strings on these plants as the heat can stress and cook the foliage. Enjoy the plant inside for now and take it out promptly by the second day of January so it can get better light outside.