December 2025 Garden Report

By Thea Hegland, Plant I.D. Supervisor

Most visitors arrive to view the Magic of Christmas when the sky is dark, and the moon and stars are out. That is the safe bet but for those who arrive earlier there are some pleasant surprises. This is perhaps the best-kept secret in The Gardens. I like to think of this time as “The Magic Hour” when the sun gets low and casts a beautiful glow throughout The Gardens.  Those who come early can enjoy a few hardy blossoms in The Gardens and view the Christmas décor in the light.  Winter flowers such as Erysimum (English wallflower) with cheery-bright flowers, Viola, and Bellis (English daisy) brighten winter containers. The stunning Camellia sasanqua “Kanjiro” is eye-catching with glossy green leaves and bright pink blooms with yellow stamens. This Japanese beauty blooms from November to January.

The evening walk is rich with ambience. Cedar lined pathways lead visitors through the twelve days of Christmas with glittering lights, whimsical décor and festive music. Walk amongst the old historical trees and marvel at the grandeur. It is mesmerizing.

Festive indoor seasonal displays can be found in the Blue Poppy Restaurant, Coffee Shop and Show Greenhouse, also known as the Photo Window. This year, 13 beautiful varieties of Poinsettia are amongst the indoor displays. The historic Butchart residence is home to The Dining Room Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a firelit dining experience amongst the seasonal floral arrangements, Poinsettias and Orchids that fill the house just the way Jennie Butchart liked it; bringing the garden indoors.

Plants, trees, and shrubs that are currently blooming

• Anthurium (Flamingo flower)
• Aucuba japonica (Spotted laurel)
• Bellis (English daisy)
• Bergenia (Elephant’s ears)
• Callicarpa (Beautyberry)
• Camellia
• Cotoneaster
• Cyclamen
• Davidia (Dove tree)
• Erica (Heather)
• Erysimum (Wallflower)
• Euphorbia pulcherrina (Poinsettia)
• Helleborus (Christmas rose)
• Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
• Kalanchoe
• Jasminium nudiflorum (Winter jasmine)
• Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ (Oregon grape)
• Nandina domestica (Heavenly bamboo)
• Ophiopogon planiscapus (Black mondo grass)
• Orchid
• Pansy
• Pieris (Lily -of – the valley shrub)
• Polyanthus (Primula)
• Pyracantha
• Sarcococca (Christmas box)
• Skimmia japonica
• Viburnum x bodnantense
• Viburnum tinus
• Viola