Indoor Greenery: Evergreen Plants for Holiday Décor and Beyond

Bringing evergreen boughs indoors is a centuries-old tradition. Beyond the holidays, greenery adds year-round freshness—but proper selection and care keep it looking vibrant.

Best Evergreens for Indoor Use

Slow-drying varieties: Pine, Fir, Cedar, Juniper, Boxwood, Holly, Ivy, Yew, Spruce. Most stay fresh up to a month if kept cool.

Décor Ideas

• Swags, garlands, wreaths (use floral foam or Styrofoam base).
• Embellish with pinecones, nuts, dried flowers, ribbon, ornaments.
• Table centerpieces in bowls or foam.
• Kissing balls: wrap greenery around a foam ball with moss and twine.

Safety and Maintenance

• Harvest/purchase just before use; store cool outdoors.
• Keep away from heat sources, sunny windows, candles.
• Use only cool LED lights if adding illumination.
• Mist daily; discard brown/dropping sections.
• Toxicity warning: Mistletoe, yew, holly berries, crown of thorns are poisonous to kids/pets.

Harvesting Responsibly

Never remove more than ⅓ of a plant or branch. Trim selectively to preserve shape. Alternatively, buy boughs from nurseries.