December Birth Flower: Narcissus and Holly Meaning, Symbolism and Facts
December is the last month of the year. The days are short. The air is cold. And yet, December still has its own birth flowers. They are full of hope for the new year ahead.
December has two of them. The narcissus is the main birth flower. The holly is the second. One is a soft white winter bloom. The other is green and red, and full of Christmas cheer. Most December birthdays fall under Sagittarius. The last days of the month belong to Capricorn.
Quick Answer
The December birth flowers are the narcissus and the holly. The narcissus stands for rebirth, hope, and new beginnings. The holly stands for protection, good luck, and lasting life. Together, they close the year with a bright and hopeful message.
Table of Contents
- Narcissus: The Primary December Birth Flower
- Holly: December’s Second Birth Flower
- Narcissus vs Holly
- Birth Flowers by Month
- How to Grow December Birth Flowers
- Gift Ideas for a December Birthday
- Frequently Asked Questions
Narcissus: The Primary December Birth Flower
The narcissus is a winter flower with a hopeful heart. It stands for rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings. That meaning fits December well. The old year ends, and a new one is about to start.
The flower also carries good wishes and respect. To give a narcissus is to say, “I wish you well.” It is a gentle, kind gift for a winter birthday.
The name comes from an old Greek story. Narcissus was a young man who fell in love with his own face in a pool of water. He could not look away. A flower grew where he sat, and it still bears his name. You can read more on the narcissus page on Wikipedia.
The December type is the paperwhite. It has pure white blooms and a strong, sweet scent. It is one of the best-loved fragrant flowers of winter. A single small pot can fill a whole room with perfume.
Paperwhites are famous for one more reason. They are very easy to grow indoors in winter. You do not even need soil. The bulbs bloom in a bowl of pebbles and water, about 4 to 6 weeks after you plant them. They are stars among winter flowers, because they bloom while the garden sleeps.
One fun fact: daffodils are narcissus too. They belong to the same plant family. So December’s flower is a close cousin of the March birth flower. To meet more of its plant group, see our list of flowers that start with N.
Narcissus Quick Facts
- Meaning: rebirth, renewal, hope, and new beginnings.
- Type: a bulb. The paperwhite type flowers in winter.
- Bloom time: winter indoors, and spring outdoors.
- Fragrance: strong and sweet, most of all in paperwhites.
- Colours: white is the December classic. Some types are yellow, or white with yellow or orange hearts.
Holly: December’s Second Birth Flower
Holly is December’s second birth plant. It stands for protection, good luck, and defence. Its green leaves stay fresh all winter. For many people, that makes holly a sign of life that lasts.
Holly and Christmas belong together. Glossy green leaves and bright red berries fill wreaths, cards, and table displays. No plant says “December” at a single glance quite like holly does.
Here is one honest note. Holly is loved for its leaves and berries, not for its flowers. Its blooms are small and white, and easy to miss in spring. The red berries are the real show in winter.
One safety note matters too. Holly berries are for birds and for show. They are not food for people or pets. Enjoy them on the plant, not on a plate.
Holly Quick Facts
- Meaning: protection, good luck, defence, and eternal life.
- Type: an evergreen shrub or small tree.
- Known for: glossy green leaves and bright red winter berries.
- Bloom time: small white flowers in spring. The berries shine in winter.
- Hardiness: grows well in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Narcissus vs Holly
The two December plants could not be more different. This table shows the contrast.
| Plant | Type | Known For | Meaning | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narcissus (Paperwhite) | Bulb | White winter blooms and sweet scent | Rebirth, hope, new beginnings | Indoor pots and winter gifts |
| Holly | Evergreen shrub | Glossy leaves and red berries | Protection, good luck, eternal life | Wreaths, hedges, and garden structure |
Birth Flowers by Month
Every month has its own pair of birth flowers. Here is the full year at a glance.
| Month | Birth Flowers |
|---|---|
| January | Carnation & Snowdrop |
| February | Violet & Primrose |
| March | Daffodil & Jonquil |
| April | Daisy & Sweet Pea |
| May | Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn |
| June | Rose & Honeysuckle |
| July | Larkspur & Water Lily |
| August | Gladiolus & Poppy |
| September | Aster & Morning Glory |
| October | Marigold & Cosmos |
| November | Chrysanthemum & Peony |
| December | Narcissus & Holly |
Curious about the autumn months? Our September birth flower guide covers the aster and the morning glory.
You can also read our November birth flower guide to meet the chrysanthemum and the peony.
How to Grow December Birth Flowers
Paperwhites indoors are the easiest winter project in this whole series. Follow these simple steps:
- Set the bulbs in a bowl of pebbles, tips pointing up.
- Add water until it just touches the base of the bulbs.
- Keep the bowl in a cool, bright spot, away from heat.
- Top up the water as the roots drink.
- Expect sweet white blooms in about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Stems can grow tall and flop. Tie them gently to a small stake.
Holly outdoors plays a longer game. For berries, you need two plants: one male and one female. Only the female makes berries, but she needs a male nearby. Holly grows slowly, so plant it in spring or fall and give it time. It does well in zones 5 to 9, in sun or part shade.
For more real-world tips, gardeners share their winter results in communities like r/gardening on Reddit.
Gift Ideas for a December Birthday
A pot of paperwhites is the perfect December gift. Give it just before it blooms. The person you love gets to watch the flowers open at home.
A holly wreath or a simple holly arrangement is the classic choice. It brings luck, colour, and Christmas warmth in one gift.
December’s birthstone is turquoise. Modern lists add tanzanite and zircon too. Turquoise is a soft blue-green. It pairs well with holly green and berry red. So add a turquoise card or a small turquoise gift to your flowers, and the colours will sing together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the December birth flower?
December has two birth flowers. The narcissus, most of all the paperwhite, is the main one. Holly is the second. The narcissus blooms in winter. Holly shines with red berries at the same time.
What does the narcissus symbolise?
It symbolises rebirth, renewal, hope, and new beginnings. It also carries good wishes and respect. A kind flower for a new year.
Why is holly a December birth flower if it is not really a flower?
Holly does flower, with small white blooms in spring. But it is famous for its winter leaves and berries. Its meanings — protection, luck, and lasting life — fit December best of all.
What is December’s birthstone?
Turquoise is the classic December birthstone. Modern lists also add tanzanite and zircon. All three come in cool blue tones that pair well with winter flowers.
Can you grow paperwhites indoors?
Yes, and it is very easy. Set the bulbs on pebbles with water at their base. Keep them cool and bright. They bloom in about 4 to 6 weeks, with no soil at all. For more answers, see questions about the December birth flower on Quora.
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