December is a month of celebrations: St Nicholas Day, Christmas and preparing for the New Year. Its birth plants carry a cosy symbolism: holly (ilex) with red berries and the delicate paperwhite narcissus. Here’s what they mean, what blooms in winter and which bouquet to give someone born in December. Next month: January flowers.
Holly, or ilex, is an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves and bright red berries. It symbolises protection, domestic comfort and joy, and has long decorated homes at Christmas. Florists add ilex branches to winter bouquets and wreaths; see holly guide.
The second flower is the paperwhite, a fragrant white narcissus grown in pots for the winter holidays. It stands for hope and the anticipation of spring. Other months are in birth month flowers.
What blooms in December
In December, only hellebores and witch hazel bloom outdoors, but indoors it’s high season: poinsettia, amaryllis, cyclamen, orchids, Christmas cactus and azalea. How to care for a poinsettia and get it to rebloom is in poinsettia care. At the florist’s, December means red and white roses, ilex, evergreens, eucalyptus and cotton for festive arrangements.
A bouquet for December birthdays
December’s classic is red and white roses with ilex, evergreens, cones or eucalyptus, a bouquet that both celebrates a birthday and sets a festive mood. A flowering poinsettia or amaryllis in a pot is a lovely alternative. St Nicholas Day falls on December 6; gift ideas are in St Nicholas Day.
December zodiac signs
December is shared by Sagittarius (until December 21) and Capricorn (from December 22). Adventurous Sagittarius enjoys bright, unusual bouquets, while reserved Capricorn prefers elegant white rose bouquets or a potted orchid.
Festive bouquets for December birthdays
Red and white roses and winter arrangements delivered fresh across Kyiv, even in frost.
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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