December Birth Flower: What is my Birth Flower?

You may wonder what the December birth flower is: December has two birth flowers:  Paperwhites and Holly.

Why Are There Two Birth Flowers in December?

There are two birth flowers in December to provide more variety and choices for individuals to associate with their birth month. Just as with other months that have multiple birth flowers, this allows people to choose the flower they feel a stronger connection with or prefer based on appearance, meaning, or symbolism.

Having two birth flowers for December also provides an opportunity for florists and gift-givers to have more options when selecting flowers for birthdays or other celebrations related to a person’s birth month. One of the flowers might be more readily available or have a longer blooming season, making it a more practical choice for certain regions or times of the year.

Overall, the inclusion of two birth flowers for December, like other months with multiple flowers, enriches the tradition and offers greater flexibility, personalization, and variety for those who enjoy connecting with the symbolism and meanings associated with birth flowers.

December Primary Birth Flower: Paperwhites

Description: Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are a popular type of daffodil, characterized by their delicate, fragrant, and white, star-shaped flowers. They belong to the Amaryllidaceae family and are native to the Mediterranean region.

Growth habit: Paperwhites are bulbous perennials that grow in clumps, reaching a height of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm). They produce long, slender leaves and flower stalks that bear clusters of white, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Flowers: The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, with a sweet, distinct fragrance. Each flower has a central cup-shaped structure (corona) surrounded by six petal-like tepals.

Blooming season: Paperwhites typically bloom in late winter to early spring, making them a popular choice for indoor forcing during the holiday season.

Hardiness: Paperwhites are hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, but they can also be grown indoors in colder climates.

Sunlight and soil: They thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil.

Garden uses: Paperwhites are ideal for container gardening, rock gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. They are often grown indoors during winter to add color and fragrance to homes.

History: Paperwhites are native to the Mediterranean region, where they have been cultivated for centuries. The ancient Greeks and Romans were among the first to grow and appreciate these delicate, fragrant flowers. Over time, paperwhites spread throughout Europe and eventually to other parts of the world.

Meaning: Paperwhites symbolize purity, innocence, and rebirth due to their delicate white flowers and association with the beginning of spring. They are often used to represent renewal and new beginnings, making them an appropriate choice for various celebrations, including weddings and holidays. The sweet fragrance of paperwhites also adds to their appeal and can signify the arrival of good things or positive changes in one’s life.

In addition to these meanings, paperwhites are sometimes associated with the holiday season because they can be easily forced to bloom indoors during winter months, bringing color and fragrance to homes when most other plants are dormant.

Why they have been selected: Paperwhites have been selected as a popular flower due to their delicate beauty, sweet fragrance, and ability to be easily forced indoors during winter months.

Fun facts: They are often grown alongside other spring bulbs, like tulips and hyacinths, to create a vibrant and fragrant garden display.

December Secondary Birth Flower: Holly

Description: Holly (Ilex spp.) is a deciduous or evergreen shrub or tree known for its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries. It belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family and includes over 400 species.

Growth habit: Holly plants can range in size from small shrubs to large trees, with heights varying between 3 feet (90 cm) to over 50 feet (15 meters), depending on the species. They have a dense branching structure, making them suitable for hedges and privacy screens.

Flowers: Holly plants produce small, inconspicuous white or greenish-white flowers. The plants are dioecious, which means that male and female flowers are found on separate plants. Only female plants will produce the characteristic red berries when pollinated by a nearby male plant.

Blooming season: Holly flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer.

Hardiness: Holly plants are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, depending on the species.

Sunlight and soil: They grow well in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining soil.

Garden uses: Holly is often used as an ornamental plant for hedges, privacy screens, and specimen plants in the landscape. Its evergreen nature and attractive red berries make it a popular choice for winter gardens.

History: Holly has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, holly has been used for various purposes and holds cultural significance in many societies. The Celts, for example, believed that holly had protective powers and brought it into their homes during the winter solstice to ward off evil spirits. Later on, the tradition of using holly as a decorative element during Christmas celebrations began, likely due to its evergreen nature and the bright red berries that provided a cheerful contrast against the winter landscape.

Meaning: Holly symbolizes protection, good luck, and fertility. In some cultures, it is also associated with hope and eternal life. Its spiky leaves are believed to deter negative energies and safeguard the home from harm, while the red berries represent life force and vitality. Holly’s evergreen nature is a reminder of the persistence of life, even during the darkest and coldest months.

Additionally, in Christian symbolism, holly has been associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. The red berries are said to represent drops of blood, and the sharp leaves symbolize the thorns. This connection to Christian beliefs further enhances the plant’s significance during the holiday season.

Why it has been selected: Holly has been selected as a popular plant due to its evergreen nature, attractive berries, and cultural significance in various traditions.

Fun facts: The wood of holly trees is dense and hard, making it suitable for use in carving and inlay work.