Everest December Tips
Houseplant of the month
Schlumbergera (Christmas cactus)
Christmas cactus is a welcome burst of colour in the darkest month of the year, producing elegant, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, and white. Some Christmas cacti become family heirlooms, living for decades and flowering reliably every winter. Its arching, segmented stems look striking hanging or on shelves where they can naturally cascade.
In the wild, Schlumbergera grows in the rainforests of Brazil, where it nestles in tree branches in cool, moist, shaded conditions. At home, it prefers bright but indirect light, perfect for a windowsill out of the harsh midday sun.
Keep the compost just lightly moist, allowing the top to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, whilst letting it dry completely may cause buds to drop. Never let it sit in water. A cooler room at night in autumn and early winter helps trigger flower formation, so avoid placing it too close to radiators.
One of the joys of the Christmas cactus is how easy it is to propagate. Twist off individual segments and root them in free-draining compost. With a little warmth and gentle watering, they soon establish, giving you new plants to keep or share as home-grown festive gifts. With the right care, a Christmas cactus can become a long-lived favourite, returning to bloom year after year.
Outdoor plant of the month
Ilex aquifolium (Holly)
Holly is one of the most iconic plants of the winter garden. Its glossy evergreen leaves and bright berries bring instant seasonal cheer. Individual holly leaves can live for hundreds of years, becoming real landmarks and valuable habitats. It offers structure and colour when many other plants are bare, and its dense foliage provides vital shelter for birds and wildlife.
Native holly, Ilex aquifolium, is adaptable and long-lived, growing happily as a specimen tree, clipped hedge, or background shrub. It thrives in sun or partial shade, and copes well with a range of soils, provided they’re reasonably well-drained. Once established, they are tough and wind-tolerant, making them ideal for exposed gardens.
For classic red berries, choose a reliable female variety like Ilex aquifolium ‘JC van Tol’, which is self-fertile and often berries well without a partner. For a brighter look, ‘Argentea Marginata’ offers striking cream-edged leaves with rich red berries, lifting darker corners and adding a real festive feel.
When planting holly, water regularly in the first couple of years, especially during dry spells, and mulch around the base to conserve moisture. Established plants need very little attention, though light pruning in late winter or early spring will tidy the shape. Avoid hard pruning unless necessary, as growth can be slow to replace. Branches can be cut sparingly in December for wreaths and arrangements, adding festive colour indoors without spoiling the look of the plant outside.
Gardening job for the month
Tidy and prepare the garden for next year
December is a natural pause in the garden, so it’s a great time to tidy up ready for a fresh start next year. With growth slowing down right now, you can clear and organise without feeling you’re disturbing too much.
Begin by removing tired annuals, old vegetable plants and fallen leaves from borders, pots, and paths. This helps break pest and disease cycles before spring. Cut back any spent stems that have collapsed, but leave sturdy seedheads that still look good or provide food for birds. A general sweep and tidy instantly makes the garden feel calmer and cared for.
Next, look at the structure of your space. Check fences, trellis and supports, and firm in any wobbly posts or loose stakes before winter winds arrive. Neaten lawn edges, gather up leftover plant labels and store any spare compost or feeds somewhere dry and accessible. It’s also a good moment to clean, sharpen and oil hand tools so they’re ready to go when spring jobs begin.
If you have a greenhouse, give it a quick winter refresh too. Clear out spent crops, sweep the floor and wash pots and seed trays. Wipe down the glazing to let in as much light as possible, and check vents and doors so they open smoothly. A couple of hours now will leave your whole garden ready for a productive new growing season.
