The December birth flower is the narcissus, especially the fragrant white paperwhite, with holly as the second December flower. Together they capture the spirit of the month: the narcissus blooms indoors when gardens are bare and stands for hope and new beginnings, while glossy holly with red berries is a symbol of protection, joy and the festive season.
Here is what each flower means, which colors to choose, how to grow paperwhites for the holidays and the best December birthday flower gifts.
Quick Answer: What Is the December Birth Flower?
- Main December birth flower: Narcissus (paperwhite)
- Second December birth flower: Holly
- Narcissus meanings: hope, renewal, good wishes and prosperity
- Holly meanings: protection, domestic happiness, goodwill and celebration
- Best gift idea: a pot of blooming paperwhites decorated with a sprig of holly
Narcissus Meaning and Symbolism
Narcissus is the botanical name for the whole daffodil family. For December, the star is the paperwhite (Narcissus papyraceus), a clustered white narcissus with a strong, sweet scent that is easy to grow indoors in winter.
- Hope and renewal: narcissus flowers bloom at the darkest time of year indoors and are among the first flowers of spring outdoors, so they represent fresh starts.
- Good fortune: in China, narcissus is a lucky flower for Lunar New Year and is believed to bring wealth and good luck for the year ahead.
- Greek mythology: the flower is named after Narcissus, the young man who fell in love with his own reflection. Because of this story, the flower can also hint at self-reflection, but for birthdays it is read as a symbol of beauty and good wishes.
Holly Meaning and Symbolism
Holly (Ilex) has been a winter symbol for thousands of years. The ancient Romans exchanged holly wreaths during the midwinter festival of Saturnalia, and Celtic traditions hung holly in homes to protect against bad luck. In Christian tradition, the pointed leaves and red berries came to represent the crown of thorns and the blood of Christ, and holly became a central Christmas decoration.
For a December birthday, holly stands for protection, a happy home and lasting goodwill, a lovely message for family members and close friends.
What Each Narcissus Color Means
| Color | Meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| White (paperwhite) | Purity, peace and new beginnings | Anyone, especially a new year or new chapter |
| Yellow (daffodil) | Joy, friendship and optimism | Friends and coworkers |
| Yellow with orange cup | Warmth and good wishes | Family birthdays |
| White and red holly | Protection and festive happiness | Parents and close family |
How to Grow Paperwhites Indoors for December
Unlike tulips and hyacinths, paperwhites do not need a cold period, so they are the easiest bulbs to “force” indoors. Plant them about four to six weeks before you want flowers. For a December birthday or the holidays, early to mid-November is perfect.
- Choose a container: a shallow bowl or glass vase without drainage holes works well.
- Add pebbles or soil: fill the bowl with 2–3 inches of pebbles, gravel or potting mix.
- Set the bulbs close together: place them pointy side up, almost touching, and press them gently into the pebbles so they stand upright.
- Add water to the base: keep the water level just below the bottom of the bulbs. If the bulbs sit in water, they rot.
- Give them light: once green shoots appear, move the bowl to a bright, cool spot. Cooler rooms give sturdier stems and longer-lasting flowers.
Gardener’s tip for floppy stems: research by Cornell University’s Flower Bulb Research Program found that watering paperwhites with a diluted alcohol solution (about 4–5% alcohol, for example one part vodka or gin to seven parts water) once shoots are 1–2 inches tall keeps stems about one-third shorter, so they do not flop over. Never use beer or wine, which contain sugars.
Want more winter bulbs? Hyacinths can also be forced indoors, and outdoor daffodils and tulips are planted now for spring. See our guide on when to plant tulip bulbs.
Growing Holly in Your Garden
- Plant in spring or fall in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
- Sun or part shade: more sun means more berries.
- You need a male and a female plant: most hollies are either male or female, and only females produce berries. Plant at least one male nearby to pollinate them.
- Prune in late winter, and save the cut branches for holiday decorations.
Holly also makes an excellent evergreen hedge. For more ideas, see our guide to creating a garden privacy screen.
December Birthday Flower Gift Ideas
- A paperwhite growing kit: bulbs, a glass bowl and pebbles, so the birthday person watches their flowers bloom.
- A winter white bouquet: paperwhites with white roses, eucalyptus and a few holly sprigs.
- A fresh holly wreath: a birthday gift that doubles as a holiday decoration.
- Daffodil bulbs for spring: a gift that keeps giving when they bloom months later.
- Birth-flower jewelry or prints: a narcissus pendant, often paired with turquoise, tanzanite or zircon, the December birthstones.
Safety note: narcissus bulbs and holly berries are toxic if eaten. The ASPCA lists both daffodils and holly as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them out of reach of pets and small children. Also, freshly cut narcissus stems release a sap that shortens the life of other flowers. Stand them in water on their own for a few hours before adding them to a mixed bouquet.
Explore Other Birth Month Flowers
Discover the November birth flower, the chrysanthemum, the October birth flowers, marigold and cosmos, or the February birth flowers, violet and primrose.
Conclusion
The narcissus and holly are fitting December birth flowers: one brings fragrance and hope to the darkest days, the other protection and festive cheer. A bowl of blooming paperwhites with a sprig of holly is a simple, beautiful way to celebrate anyone born in December.
FAQ
What are the two December birth flowers?
The December birth flowers are the narcissus, especially the paperwhite, and holly.
What does the December birth flower mean?
Narcissus means hope, renewal and good wishes. Holly means protection, domestic happiness and goodwill.
Is a paperwhite the same as a daffodil?
Both belong to the genus Narcissus. Paperwhites have clusters of small white, very fragrant flowers and need no winter chill, while classic daffodils have larger single trumpets and bloom outdoors in spring.
How long do paperwhites take to bloom?
Paperwhites usually bloom four to six weeks after planting, and the flowers last one to two weeks in a cool room.
What is the December birth flower tattoo meaning?
A narcissus tattoo usually symbolizes hope, rebirth and new beginnings, while a holly tattoo stands for protection and family. Many December-born people combine both in one design.
