Gardeners of every generation love receiving plants during the winter holidays, but the smartest gifts aren’t houseplants at all! They’re landscaping-grade, nursery-grown, and outdoor-grown trees, shrubs, and perennials that arrive dormant, rest safely through winter, and root themselves deeply when planted outdoors in spring.
These nursery-grade beauties slip neatly under the Christmas tree, wrapped in ribbon and promise, long before Ma Nature reawakens the garden. Holiday gifting trends show growing interest in outdoor-ready plants like Arborvitae, Holly bushes, Boxwood, Spruce, Lavender shrubs, and other long-lived garden staples. These gifts don’t just decorate the home for a moment. They become part of the landscape for decades!
Evergreens like Arborvitae green giant, Dwarf Pine trees, Boxwood, Holly bushes, and Spruce seedlings make long-lasting, meaningful gifts.
Can I keep evergreen gifts indoors until spring?
Yes, keep them in cool, bright spaces through winter, water lightly, and then acclimate them outdoors once the weather warms.
Do landscaping plants survive indoors during winter?
Most tolerate short indoor stays when kept away from heat vents and watered sparingly. They’re planted outdoors in spring.
Are evergreen trees expensive to give as gifts?
Not usually. Many young evergreens look premium but are surprisingly affordable with long-lasting value outdoors.
Can holiday plants be planted outside later?
Absolutely. Many evergreen shrubs and trees thrive outdoors once the soil warms, growing into lasting landscape features.
Which USDA hardiness zones are best for planting long-lasting outdoor evergreens received as holiday gifts?
Most long-lasting evergreens thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, with specific varieties like Colorado spruce and white pine performing well in the coldest zones 3-4, while southern magnolias and live oaks excel in warmer zones 7-9. The key is matching your gift plant's cold tolerance to your local zone, as evergreens planted outside their range often suffer winter damage or summer stress. Plant evergreens received as holiday gifts in early spring after the last hard frost, giving them a full growing season to establish before facing their first winter. Check your exact USDA zone on our website's plant finder tool and verify it matches your evergreen's recommended growing zones before planting.
When is the ideal time in spring to transplant holiday evergreen shrubs into the garden?
The ideal time to transplant holiday evergreen shrubs is after the last hard frost but before new growth begins, typically mid-April to early May in zones 5-7. Wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 45-50°F and the ground is workable but not waterlogged from spring rains. In warmer zones 8-9, you can transplant as early as late March, while colder zones 3-4 should wait until mid to late May. Plan to complete transplanting at least 6 weeks before hot summer weather arrives to allow proper root establishment.
How do I protect potted evergreen holiday gifts from winter wind and frost damage outdoors?
Place potted evergreens in a sheltered location protected from prevailing winter winds, such as against a south-facing wall or within an unheated garage when temperatures drop below 10°F in zones 5-6. Wrap containers in burlap or bubble wrap to insulate roots, which are more vulnerable to freeze damage than the above-ground plant. Water thoroughly before the ground freezes, then check soil moisture monthly during winter thaws. Move containers to the most protected area of your property and group them together to create a warmer microclimate.
What type of soil and drainage do long-lasting outdoor plants like dwarf conifers need when planting after the holidays?
Dwarf conifers thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0, and poor drainage is their biggest enemy since waterlogged roots lead to root rot and death. Plant them in soil that drains within 4-6 hours after heavy rain, and amend clay soils with coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. In zones 3-9, the best planting time is 6-8 weeks before your average first hard frost or in early spring after soil thaws. Test drainage by digging an 18-inch hole, filling it with water, and ensuring it drains completely within a day before planting.
How often should I water newly planted holiday evergreen trees in their first outdoor season?
Newly planted holiday evergreens need deep, thorough watering once or twice weekly during their first growing season, providing 1-2 inches of water each time. In zones 3-7, increase watering frequency during hot summer months and reduce to weekly watering in fall before winter dormancy. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches deep before watering, as overwatering kills more evergreens than drought stress. Apply water slowly at the base of the tree, extending to the drip line, and maintain 2-4 inches of mulch to retain consistent moisture.
Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.
⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.
Please check your ZIP code and try again.
Looking up your growing zone...
When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.
You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.
Growing & Glowing Guarantee Plus
Extend your plant protection to a full year with Growing & Glowing Guarantee Plus.
Every plant already includes our free 45-day guarantee. Adding Plus at checkout gives you extended coverage for properly planted and cared-for plants.
What you get:
Full store credit for the cost of your plant
Free shipping on your replacement order
Coverage for a full year from delivery
To file a claim: Send photos to support@naturehills.com or use our live chat.
Not covered: Improper planting, weather extremes, pest or wildlife damage, or plants outside their recommended zone. Annuals, bulbs, grass plugs, and hard goods are not eligible.
