The best Christmas flowers are poinsettias, amaryllis, Christmas cactus, Christmas roses (hellebores), paperwhites and red or white roses, each with its own festive meaning, from good cheer to hope and renewal.
Some are houseplants that bloom on their own in December, some are cut flowers for the table and wreath, and a few are evergreens that bring berries and scent. Here are 15 to consider, with what they symbolize and how to keep them looking good through the holidays.
Quick Answer: Christmas Flowers at a Glance
- Most traditional: poinsettia, holly and Christmas rose.
- Best long-lasting gift: amaryllis bulb kit or Christmas cactus.
- Best cut flowers: red roses, white lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums.
- Best scent: paperwhites, hyacinths and lilies.
- Pet caution: lilies are dangerous to cats; amaryllis, paperwhites and holly berries are also toxic.
15 Christmas Flowers and What They Symbolize
| Flower | Meaning | Best used as |
|---|---|---|
| Poinsettia | Good cheer, success | Potted plant |
| Amaryllis | Determination, radiant beauty | Potted bulb or cut stems |
| Christmas cactus | Endurance, warmth | Long-lived houseplant |
| Christmas rose (hellebore) | Hope, serenity | Garden plant or pot |
| Paperwhite narcissus | Renewal, new beginnings | Forced bulbs in water or pebbles |
| Cyclamen | Devotion, resilience | Cool-room pot plant |
| Red rose | Love, passion | Bouquets, centerpieces |
| White rose | Purity, new starts | Table arrangements |
| Lily | Peace, devotion | Scented cut flowers |
| Carnation | Admiration, affection | Budget-friendly, long-lasting vases |
| Chrysanthemum | Joy, loyalty | Cut flowers, pots |
| Holly | Protection, domestic happiness | Wreaths, garlands |
| Ranunculus | Charm, radiance | Winter bouquets |
| Anemone | Anticipation | Bouquets |
| Hyacinth | Sincerity, constancy | Forced bulbs in pots |
The Classic Christmas Plants
Poinsettia. The red “flowers” are actually colored bracts. Native to Mexico, poinsettias became the signature Christmas plant in the US and UK. They like bright, indirect light, no drafts and a pot that never sits in water. See our poinsettia care guide to keep one looking good into the new year.
Amaryllis. Big trumpet blooms in red, white, pink and striped forms open in four to eight weeks from a potted bulb. Our amaryllis guide covers planting and re-blooming.
Christmas cactus. It flowers in late fall and winter when nights lengthen and temperatures are cool. Healthy plants can live for decades; see Christmas cactus care.
Christmas rose. The white winter-flowering hellebore, Helleborus niger, is a hardy perennial that blooms in the garden around December in many regions. Learn more in how to grow hellebores.
Holly. Spiky evergreen leaves and red berries have symbolized protection and good fortune for centuries. Only female plants fruit, and the berries are toxic if eaten.
Best Christmas Cut Flowers for the Table
Red roses, white lilies, carnations and chrysanthemums hold up well in a warm house. Carnations and chrysanthemums often last two weeks or more in a clean vase; roses and lilies usually give you one to two weeks. Pair them with evergreen sprigs, pinecones and berries for a classic look, or stick to all-white flowers with silver foliage for something modern.
How to Make Christmas Flowers Last
- Re-cut stems at an angle under 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom before arranging.
- Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
- Use a clean vase and add flower food if supplied.
- Change the water every two days and re-trim the stems.
- Keep arrangements away from radiators, fireplaces and fruit bowls (ripening fruit releases ethylene).
- Place potted plants in bright light and water only when the top of the soil feels dry.
Common Problems With Holiday Flowers
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Poinsettia drops leaves | Cold draft, overwatering or dry soil | Move to a draft-free bright spot; water when the top inch is dry |
| Amaryllis flops over | Too little light or a heavy bloom | Stake the stem; give bright light |
| Cut roses droop | Air bubble in stem or bacteria | Re-cut under water; use clean water |
| Christmas cactus drops buds | Sudden temperature or light change | Keep it still once buds form |
| Paperwhites grow tall and floppy | Warm room, low light | Move somewhere cooler and brighter |
Pet Safety Around Christmas Flowers
Lilies (true lilies and daylilies) are especially dangerous to cats, and even small amounts of pollen or vase water can cause serious kidney problems. Amaryllis, paperwhites, holly berries and mistletoe are also toxic. Poinsettias usually cause only mild stomach upset. Check any plant you bring into the home against the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list, and call your vet at once if a pet has chewed something.
For more seasonal inspiration, browse our December birth flower guide and our birth month flowers overview, or see our hellebore guide for a hardy winter bloomer.
Conclusion
Whether you want a living plant that lasts into spring or a vase of cut flowers for Christmas dinner, there is a festive bloom to fit. Choose for color and meaning, think about pets in the house, and give each plant the light and water it likes.
FAQ
What is the most popular Christmas flower?
The poinsettia, followed by amaryllis and Christmas cactus. In Europe, holly and the Christmas rose are also strongly associated with the season.
What flowers bloom naturally at Christmas?
Christmas cactus, cyclamen and Christmas rose bloom around December. Amaryllis and paperwhites are forced to bloom in time for the holidays.
Are poinsettias poisonous?
They are only mildly irritating. The milky sap can upset the stomach of pets and irritate skin, but they are far less dangerous than lilies.
What color flowers are best for Christmas?
Red and white are traditional, with green foliage. Red suggests love and warmth, and white suggests peace and new beginnings.
How long do Christmas cut flowers last?
Typically one to two weeks, with carnations and chrysanthemums at the longer end, when stems are re-cut and the water is changed regularly.
