12 Days of Christmas… Nature Hills Plants Edition!

plants for the entire 12 days of christmas at nature hills nursery

Charlotte Weidner | February 14, 2026

Sing it loud, plant lovers. Ma Nature is feeling festive. Here's a joyful garden-themed countdown featuring twelve Nature Hills favorites that bring cheer, color, fragrance, and winter magic to any landscape.

Grab some hot cocoa, your most comfy socks, and join in!

On the first day of Christmas...

A Partridge Pear Tree
Give your true love the gift of delicious homegrown fruit with a gorgeous Pear Tree. It's a garden classic that gets better each year, with spring blossoms, summer growth, and sweet fall harvests. If you're dreaming of planting fruit trees this season, this guide to Planting Fruit Trees is the perfect place to begin.

Not feeling up to caring for a fruit tree? Try a Flowering Pear instead! The Partridge is optional, but encouraged!

On the second day of Christmas...

Two Turtle Doves... and Two White Turtleheads
A perfect plant pun for the season. The crisp, pure blooms of the White Turtlehead perennial bring elegant structure and late-season interest. Pollinators adore it, and its upright spikes give winter gardens a sculptural touch worthy of a holiday carol.

On the third day of Christmas...

Three French Hens... French Manicure™ Hydrangeas
Swap hens for the stunning French Manicure™ Panicle Hydrangea. These blooms layer white and blush tones like a winter sunset and bring that chic, French-inspired flair to any landscape.

On the fourth day of Christmas...

Four Calling Birds... Bird's Nest Spruce
The compact, swirling form of the Bird's Nest Spruce gives year-round, low-growing structure. Its layered evergreen branches look like a cozy nest waiting for winter's choir of calling birds.

On the fifth day of Christmas...

Fiiiiiiiive Gooooold Riiiiiings!

Go ahead and belt out our favorite part of the song with us! Instead of rings, let the garden shine with plants that glow like ornaments in winter light. Golden flowers and sunshine-bright foliage bring cheer to even the frostiest days, warming up garden beds, borders, and porch pots. These dazzling selections add brightness, contrast, and a little holiday magic wherever they grow.

1. Golden Showers Climbing Rose
Golden Showers Climbing Rose bursts with sunshine-yellow blossoms that climb arbors and trellises like shimmering garlands. Its sweet fragrance and abundant blooms are pure holiday joy.

2. Sunjoy® Gold Pillar Barberry
The upright form and golden foliage of the Sunjoy Gold Pillar Barberry bring bright structure and bold color all season. A vertical beam of holiday gold.

3. Lynwood Gold Forsythia
A classic herald of spring, the Lynwood Gold Forsythia erupts with brilliant yellow blooms so bright they look lit from within. A golden trumpet blast in shrub form.

4. Gold Splash® Wintercreeper Euonymus
Cheerful variegated foliage gives Gold Splash Wintercreeper a sunny personality that lasts year-round. Its vibrant leaf edges glow like gilded trim on a holiday gift.

5. Gold Gem Boxwood
The compact, cushion-shaped Gold Gem Boxwood adds warm golden-green foliage that keeps its color even in winter. A perfect little treasure for borders, walkways, and foundation plantings.

On the sixth day of Christmas...

Six Geese A-Laying... Gooseberries!
A delicious twist on the verse. Gooseberry bushes offer tart, flavorful berries perfect for jams, pies, and holiday treats. Plus, their arching branches, gorgeous foliage, and berries brighten edible landscapes year-round.

On the seventh day of Christmas...

Seven Swans A-Swimming... with White Swan Coneflowers
The pristine, elegant petals of the White Swan Coneflower glide through the garden like winter swans. Their crisp white petals and golden cones attract pollinators and add beauty from summer into winter. If you're building a pollinator haven for next year, this guide to Pollinator Gardens pairs beautifully with these graceful blooms.

On the eighth day of Christmas...

Eight Maids A-Milking... Honey Maid Holly
With variegated leaves edged in creamy white, the Honey Maid Meserve Holly brings that holiday milk-and-honey glow. Its evergreen character adds structure and charm to winter landscapes and containers.

On the ninth day of Christmas...

Nine Ladies Dancing... Little Lady™ Lilacs
The sweet fragrance and romantic blooms of the Little Lady™ Lilac swirl and dance like elegant ladies in colorful gowns. A graceful, compact shrub perfect for small gardens with a big personality.

On the tenth day of Christmas...

Ten Lords A-Leaping... Holly Fit for a Castle
If any plant deserves a kingdom, it's the stately Castle Wall® and Castle Spire® Hollies. Their bold form and glossy leaves create the perfect hedges for any noble landscape. These evergreen guardians stand tall enough for any lord to leap behind with pride.

On the eleventh day of Christmas...

Eleven Pipers Piping... Guernsey Flute™ Clematis
The festive, snowy blooms of the Guernsey Flute™ Clematis look like pipers dressed for a winter parade. Their bright white flowers add vertical interest and a joyful melody to fences, trellises, and arbors.

On the twelfth day of Christmas...

Twelve Drummers Drumming... Drummond Pink Creeping Phlox!
Let the garden beat with bright color. The vibrant, candy-pink blooms of the Drummond Pink Creeping Phlox create a ground-hugging carpet that bursts into spring like a chorus of tiny drummers. Its cheerful color, early-season energy, and pollinator appeal make it the perfect grand finale to this Christmas garden countdown.

A Merry Finale for Your Holiday Garden

From partridge-ready Pear Trees to carpets of Drummond Pink Creeping Phlox, this playful plant-filled countdown shows just how magical Ma Nature can be during the holidays. Each plant brings its own sparkle, fragrance, texture, or color, turning the garden into a living carol all season long. Whether you gift them, grow them, or simply admire them, these beauties keep the spirit of the season humming long after the last verse fades.

Here's to gardens that glow, grow, and celebrate right alongside us.

Happy Holidays & Happy Planting!

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Compare Plants

Browse the features and specs side-by-side to find the best fit for your garden.

A table comparing the facets of 5 products
Facet	White Turtlehead View details	French Manicure™ Panicle Hydrangea View details	Bird's Nest Spruce View details	Golden Showers Climbing Rose View details	Sunjoy® Gold Pillar Barberry View details
Rating
Rating	-	(572)	-	(1)	(2)
Type
Type	Perennial	Shrub	Shrub	Shrub	Shrub
By
By	American Beauties	Plants That Work	Nature Hills Nursery	Nature Hills Nursery	Proven Winners
Flower Color
Flower Color	White	Red Pink White	White	Yellow	Yellow
Growing Zone Range
Growing Zone Range	3-8	3-8	3–7	5-9	4-7
Mature Height
Mature Height	2-3 ft	4-5 ft	4 ft	12-15 ft	3-4 ft
Width
Width	1-3 ft	4-5 ft	6 ft	4-6 ft	2-3 ft
Price
Price	Regular price From $16⁹⁹	Regular price From $26⁶⁶	Sale price $65⁰⁴ Regular price $92⁹¹	Regular price $100²³	Regular price $26¹⁴

Frequently Asked Questions

What flower blooms in april?

Many flowers bloom in April, but pear trees are among the most spectacular early spring bloomers, producing clouds of white blossoms in zones 4-8. Flowering pears like Bradford and Chanticleer varieties typically bloom mid to late April, creating stunning displays that last 7-10 days. For reliable April color, plant pear trees in full sun with well-draining soil and expect blooms to appear just as the last frost passes in your area.

What can i plant now for spring?

For spring planting, focus on bare-root fruit trees like pears, which can be planted 4-6 weeks before your last frost date in zones 4-8. Dormant perennials such as White Turtlehead also establish well when planted in early spring, giving their root systems time to develop before summer heat. Spring-planted hydrangeas like the French Manicure™ variety will have a full growing season to establish strong roots for better blooms next year. Check your specific hardiness zone and plan to plant 2-3 weeks after soil becomes workable but before active growth begins.

What flowers are in bloom in april?

April brings a spectacular show of spring blooms, with flowering trees like magnolias, redbuds, and ornamental cherries leading the display in zones 5-8. Perennials such as daffodils, tulips, and early phlox emerge alongside shrubs like forsythia and spirea, which burst into color mid-month. Cool-season annuals like pansies and primrose thrive in April's mild temperatures before summer heat arrives. Plant spring bulbs the previous fall and add early-blooming perennials to extend your garden's flowering season from March through May.

Which USDA hardiness zones are best for planting Nature Hills evergreen shrubs featured in the 12 Days of Christmas edition?

Nature Hills evergreen shrubs featured in our 12 Days of Christmas edition thrive across USDA hardiness zones 3-9, depending on the specific variety. Most selections like boxwood and yews perform best in zones 4-8, while hardier options such as juniper and spruce can handle zones 3-7. Warmer climate varieties including certain hollies and camellias are suited for zones 6-9. Check each plant's individual hardiness zone requirements on our product pages before ordering to ensure success in your specific location.

What are the best lighting and watering conditions for a live Christmas tree from Nature Hills?

Live Christmas trees perform best in cool conditions away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents, with temperatures ideally between 60-68°F. Water daily by checking the reservoir in your tree stand - a 6-foot tree typically drinks 1-2 gallons per day initially, then about 1 quart daily thereafter. Keep the water level above the base of the trunk at all times, as trees stop absorbing water once the cut end dries out. Check water levels every morning and refill immediately when low to prevent needle drop and maintain freshness.

When can I plant my dormant evergreen shrub from Nature Hills outdoors?

You can plant dormant evergreen shrubs outdoors anytime the ground isn't frozen, with fall (6-8 weeks before hard frost) and early spring being ideal planting windows. In zones 3-6, plant in early spring after soil thaws, while zones 7-10 can plant throughout fall and winter during mild periods. Avoid planting during extreme temperature swings or when soil is waterlogged. Water thoroughly after planting and apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to help establish roots.

How do I keep the root ball moist for live nursery Christmas plants without overwatering?

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1-2 inches into the root ball - water only when the top feels dry but the interior remains slightly damp. For containerized Christmas plants, ensure drainage holes prevent standing water, and water slowly until it just begins to drain from the bottom. Indoor holiday plants typically need watering every 3-5 days, while outdoor container plants may require daily checking in zones 3-7 winter conditions. Monitor daily and adjust watering frequency based on your specific plant's soil moisture rather than following a rigid schedule.

How do I transition Nature Hills live Christmas trees from indoors to outdoors after the holidays?

After keeping your live Christmas tree indoors for no more than 7-10 days, gradually transition it to outdoor temperatures by placing it in an unheated garage or covered porch for 3-5 days. Choose a planting location with well-draining soil and dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball before the ground freezes. In zones 3-7, plant immediately after the transition period if soil conditions allow, or heel the tree into a temporary location with mulch protection until spring planting. Water thoroughly after planting and apply 3-4 inches of organic mulch around the base, keeping it 6 inches away from the trunk.

How should I store dormant landscaping plants from Nature Hills during winter?

Store dormant bare-root trees and shrubs in a cool, frost-free location like an unheated garage or basement maintaining temperatures between 32-40°F. Keep roots consistently moist by wrapping them in damp peat moss or sawdust, checking weekly to prevent drying out. For potted dormant plants, protect containers from freeze-thaw cycles by burying pots in mulch or moving them to an unheated but sheltered area. Plant as soon as soil becomes workable in spring, typically 4-6 weeks before your last frost date.

What planting instructions does Nature Hills provide for their Christmas plants?

The article doesn't include specific planting instructions for the featured Christmas plants, but Nature Hills provides a dedicated guide for Planting Fruit Trees that covers proper techniques for pear trees. Each plant variety on their website includes detailed planting specifications including hardiness zones, spacing requirements, and optimal planting timing. For complete planting instructions including soil preparation, watering schedules, and seasonal care, reference the individual plant pages or planting guides available on naturehills.com.