Can't imagine the holidays without flowers? Neither can Denise Lee. The Missouri native travels the nation as floral and trend consultant for the Society of American Florists.

"Whether you give plants as presents or decorate your home with them, they make a tremendous impact," says Denise, who teaches floral design worldwide. She's appeared on NBC's Today show, as well as The Discovery Channel's Interior Motives, discussing how flowers influence our lives.

Here are nine of Denise's holiday favorites, plus her tips for choosing and nurturing these plants through and beyond the season.

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