While December’s flowers may be very different from each other, one being a bulb and the other an evergreen shrub, they both symbolize happiness and hope, and as we are getting closer to saying goodbye to 2025 and welcoming 2026 these words may be appearing in your thoughts and resolutions.
The Holly
Holly symbolizes a wish for domestic happiness.
Hollies are male and female! You’ll generally need one of each to produce those recognizable red berries, which can also appear as white, yellow, black, and pink. Only the female varieties produce berries.
Although some animals and birds enjoy holly berries, they are semi-toxic to humans.
The good news is that deer tend to avoid eating holly due to their sharp leaves, which makes them a deer-resistant plant for gardens.
Holly in History
- In the 1800s, it is said that Scotland’s Duke of Argyll had a new road rerouted to avoid cutting down an old holly tree.
- In 1939, American holly was named the state tree of Delaware.
- Holly wood was used to make furniture for centuries and as firewood, burning long and hot on cold winter nights.
- American holly and English holly are the two species most often used for holiday décor today.
The Narcissus (Paperwhite)
Narcissus conveys that you want your beloved to stay just the way they are.
While there are many types of flowers in the genus Narcissus (including the daffodil), the paperwhite is the winter-growing variety and the birth flower for December.
Paperwhites are tender bulbs and not winter hardy, this is why they are often “forced” indoors as a holiday plant during the darkest days of winter. They are simply planted in pots or bowls with gravel or marbles with a little water.
A paperwhite bulb will often flower within a month of planting, producing white blooms and as many as a dozen flowers. They have a sweet and musky fragrance, which is not to everyone's taste!
Narcissus in History
While there are many types of flowers in the genus Narcissus (including the daffodil), the paperwhite is the winter-growing variety and the birth flower for December.
Paperwhites are tender bulbs and not winter hardy, this is why they are often “forced” indoors as a holiday plant during the darkest days of winter. They are simply planted in pots or bowls with gravel or marbles with a little water.
A paperwhite bulb will often flower within a month of planting, producing white blooms and as many as a dozen flowers. They have a sweet and musky fragrance, which is not to everyone's taste!
Narcissus in History
- Within the Narcissus genus, paperwhites are the oldest and most widely distributed, making it one of the most popular flowering bulbs in the world.
- Since it can bloom mid-winter, the paperwhite is sometimes associated with the Chinese Lunar New Year.
- Due to its strong fragrance, paperwhites have been used in making perfumes. However, all parts of the paperwhite are poisonous, with the bulb itself being the most toxic.
I do like seeing the green leaves and lovely red berries of holly and the colours of red and green are my favoured colours for Christmas décor. I haven't any paperwhites. Do you have either of these two December flowers in your home? Perhaps you prefer a different plant, do please share your thoughts.
All the best Jan
37 comments:
I do like paper white, so pretty.
These are two of my favorites and they seem to have such a short season so I love them all the more. Thanks for the background and all!
They are both so pretty. I'm afraid I don't have either of them. I can't keep plants alive inside. :)
Both are lovely, Jan! Thank you so much for sharing this!
...thanks Jan, I didn't know what my birth flower was. I'll claim the holly!
No pero son bonitas. Te mando un beso.
Beautiful flowers -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
I love learning the history of such things, so pretty too. Thank you Jan and have a great week. All the best, Denise xo
Very pretty.
So lovely. We married on Dec. 23, 1972, in winter in Illinois. Green, green, and white pop during this season.
Very lovely are the flowers, Jan. Good read too.
I love both Holly and narcissus. I'll cut some berried holly soon but narcissus will have to wait a month or so before it's available.
We had a female holly bush on the front lawn but cut it down a couple of years ago as it was getting too big for my hubby to manage any longer. But it's a persistent plant and keeps sending up shoots in odd places
Hi Jan, I must have the female holly as we had red berries this year. This one is still a baby:) Where we lived before we had a big beautiful one by the front porch. I love holly trees. My daughter bought some paperwhite bulbs over Thanksgiving.
Both beautiful in their own way. I just love the vibrant red of a holly berry. X
Italians also use English holly and its shinier berries for Christmas decoretion in Italy too.
Lindas flores! Eu gosto muito de ver azevinho!
beijos, lindo dia! chica
Hello,
Love the pretty berries and the flowers.
I have try growing the paperwhites, they are my birth flower.
Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
I love both of these. The paperwhites do have a very strong scent, which I like but many don't.
Yes, the paper whites smell awful 🤣 We found that deer will eat holly, if they’re hungry enough.
Beautiful flowers !
I remember buying my mom a Paperwhite bulb collection one Christmas and she wrinkled her nose. I guess she never liked the smell. But she grew them anyhow. And holly is such a Christmas staple, isn't it?? Have a great rest of your day. hugs-Erika
They are both very pretty!
Paperwhites are blooming in my front entry just now, and we have a holly bush in the garden. I cut branches for the house. Such beautiful winter plants. Thank you for sharing the information about them.
The paperwhites are so pretty.
The narcissus are so lovely and gorgeous,I just love them
Thank you for delightful post dear Jan 🥰
I enjoyed very much reading it 🤗
Blessings 🙏
I'm a December birthday person. I'd prefer the holly since the paperwhite would probably give me a migraine as so many strong smelling flowers do. I decorate with red and green as well. Bram hasn't been too bad here so far, but further south they're getting slammed. Hope it's not bad for you.
Very pretty, Jan. Enjoy your day!
I think Holly is so beautiful, but it is something that we don't see around where we live much. I also think that Paperwhites are beautiful, but neither of us can handle the fragrance.
Both lovely flowers and deserving of the recognition..Appreciate the information..We always learn from you...
Holly and paperwhites make a fitting pair for December, carrying centuries of symbolism that gently usher us from one year’s hopes into the next
Very pretty this flowers!!
When we bought our house 20 years ago my hubby bought a holly plant and it has grown so big ever since, so hard to believe it use to be such a small plant. I am glad I read this, I have often wanted to get some Paper whites but with them being toxic and I have two curious cats I guess I won't be getting one.
Me encantan los dos. Plante hace años un acebo en el jardín, pero se secó, narcisos tengo muchos. Besos.
A beautiful shrub and bulb for this time of year.
I love the pops of red during the winter.
Both are pretty.
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