In 2022, Reese Witherspoon revealed her rainbow-themed Christmas tree, proving, once again, that Christmas decor doesn’t have to follow the traditional red and green rulebook. Her tree was bright and fun; the kind of tree that lights you up with a smile the second you see it.
While most people think of this as an indoor trend or something you can only do on your Christmas tree, think again! You can bring the same vibrant, colorful holiday decor outside to your garden, even in winter when everything appears to be in black and white.
Color instantly lifts your mood, and winter-hardy plants can offer plenty of natural hues to work with. Add a few colorful ribbons or ornaments, and suddenly your porch pots or garden beds echo the playful look of Reese’s tree, but in a more organic, outdoorsy way.
Start With Winter-Hardy Color
Winter itself can be dull, especially in color, but there are several cold-tolerant plants that reliably bring the richness of the rainbow, even in freezing weather.
Pansies and violas bloom throughout winter in many regions, giving your garden purples, yellows, and blues that instantly have you dreaming of spring. Ornamental cabbage and flowering kale can add shades of pink, white, and deep violet. Red twig dogwood has bright red stems, and evergreen shrubs contribute the green we all so deeply miss once Christmas is over.
If you’re in need of containers, look for sturdy, weather-safe options that won’t crack during the freeze-thaw cycle. Lowe’s has this heavy-duty resin planter that holds up in extremely high or extremely low temperatures. Group together containers, each in a different color family, to set the foundation for a rainbow colored display.
Build Color in Layers
Just like Reese Witherspoon layered ornaments on her tree, layering plants with the thriller filler spiller technique adds depth. Start from the ground up: line the front edge of a walkway or garden bed with small bright flowers like violas in yellows and purples. Behind these, tuck in mid-height flowers like red cyclamen, orange winter berries, or purple cabbage. For height, add evergreens, colorful twigs, or potted shrubs.
Group the colors in soft gradients to create a cohesive flow, rather than chaotic. Gradient means letting oranges blend into reds, reds fade into pinks, and purples transition to blues. This soft shift mirrors Reese’s Christmas tree while still feeling natural in a garden.
Of course, you can always add quick pops of color here and there as well. Target has outdoor-friendly artificial berries that you can tuck directly into soil or container arrangements.
Add Rainbow Accents Without Overdoing It
Ornaments and ribbons are an easy way to echo the rainbow theme outdoors, and remember, a little goes a long way. Pick colors that complement your plants rather than overwhelm them. Try soft oranges, and cheerful reds, or warm yellows and icy blues.
Amazon has several weatherproof ribbon sets in a variety of colors. Tie them around planter rims, lantern handles, or small evergreen shrubs to create subtle nods to Reese’s rainbow colored Christmas tree. If you prefer to go even bolder, hang a few shatterproof ornaments on the branches of winter-safe shrubs.
Another simple touch? Colored outdoor lights in various hues. These solar-powered lanterns from Amazon would be perfect.
Create a Whimsical Focal Point
A rainbow-inspired garden needs a centerpiece; something that captures the vibrancy of the theme. For small spaces, a potted evergreen decorated with multicolored bows or ribbon would fit perfectly.
If you have a larger yard, try creating a “color lane” along a garden path by lining it with plants in different colors, starting with red at the entrance and finishing with purple or blue near the back.
Reese Witherspoon’s rainbow Christmas tree is a reminder that Christmas decorating doesn’t have to stay indoors or follow a classic, traditional palette.
