December’s traditional birth flowers are narcissus and holly. Paperwhite narcissus is a bulb-grown flower often forced indoors for winter; holly is an evergreen best known in seasonal displays for its foliage and berries. Choose paperwhites for someone who would enjoy growing a winter bloom, or holly for seasonal greenery—while keeping both plants out of reach of children and pets who might eat them.
What are December’s birth flowers?
The traditional pair is narcissus and holly, as listed by the University of Florida IFAS Extension Flagler County newsletter and The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Paperwhite is a type of narcissus commonly grown indoors from bulbs for winter flowers. Holly belongs to the genus Ilex; its familiar seasonal display is evergreen leaves and berries rather than prominent flowers. These are birth-flower traditions, not an official botanical classification.
What do holly and narcissus symbolize?
Meanings vary across sources and traditions, so treat them as gift messages rather than universal definitions.
- Narcissus: The University of Florida Extension newsletter associates it with good wishes, hope, honesty, truth, wealth, and forgiveness. The Farmers’ Almanac also refers to the mythological association with self-regard and describes pure or unconditional love as a gift meaning.
- Holly: The University of Florida Extension newsletter lists protection and defense. Other traditional interpretations include resilience or domestic happiness.
How do you choose between paperwhites and holly as a gift?
| Consideration | Paperwhite narcissus | Holly |
|---|---|---|
| Gift form | Bulbs or a forcing kit for someone who wants to grow a winter flower. | Seasonal branches, or a live shrub suited to the recipient’s region. |
| Space and care | Needs a place indoors; can be grown in soil or in a shallow container with gravel or stones and water. | Branches need no planting; a live shrub requires an appropriate outdoor site and local climate. |
| Fragrance | Varies by cultivar. ‘Ziva’ can have a strong musky scent; ‘Inbal,’ ‘Wintersun,’ and ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’ are described as having less or more pleasing scents in an Illinois Extension article. | Choose for foliage and berries rather than flower fragrance. |
| Household safety | All parts are poisonous; the bulb is most toxic. | Poisonous to humans and many animals. |
For a paperwhite gift, a shallow bowl and decorative stones can make water-forcing convenient, but they are optional: ordinary pots and soil are another way to grow the bulbs. For live holly, local species and climate matter; without the recipient’s location, a specific shrub or cultivar cannot be recommended.
#1 Best Overall
- FORCE INDOORS NOW: These stunning paperwhites will grow in just water indoors or plant them outside.
- VERSATILE FLOWERS: These bulbs can be planted in containers or gardens, offering versatility in decorating your living spaces.
- LUSH FOLIAGE: Featuring long, slender green leaves that complement the pristine white flowers.
- EASY TO GROW: Paperwhites require minimal care, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- CZ GUARANTEE: Buy with confidence you are getting a quality product. Reach out with questions for a fast solution.
How do you grow paperwhites indoors?
Paperwhites are commonly identified as Narcissus papyraceus and N. tazetta. Unlike many bulbs, they can be forced indoors without a chilling period. The University of Illinois Extension guide offers these practical steps:
- Choose firm bulbs. Avoid bulbs with mold or damage. Larger bulbs generally produce more flowers, according to Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ken Johnson.
- Select a growing method. Plant in potting soil, or set bulbs in a shallow container supported by gravel or stones with water.
- Allow time for flowering. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says a bulb will often flower within a month of planting. This is an estimate, not a guarantee; variety and growing conditions affect timing.
- Account for scent. Cultivar affects fragrance, so consider the recipient’s preference when selecting bulbs.
Paperwhite bulbs are tender and not winter-hardy in most of the United States, which is why they are often grown indoors for winter display. The Illinois Extension article’s hardiness discussion is specific to Illinois and should not be treated as a universal outdoor-growing recommendation.
Rank #2
- Thalia Narcissus - 5 Bulbs Reliable Landscaping Daffodil Reblooms even in warmer areas - Zones 8-9
- Flowers per stem - 16-18" Tall
- Wonderful for pots or rock gardens
- Reliable Landscaping Daffodil
- Marde Ross & Company has been a Licensed California Nursery since 1985.
What should you know about holly?
Holly can be given as cut branches for seasonal decoration or as a live shrub where the species and climate are suitable. The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends planting in spring or fall, in full sun and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Its guidance also notes holly’s value to winter birds. Because local conditions and species affect suitability, check regional growing advice before choosing a live plant.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are paperwhites and holly safe around children and pets?
No: the Old Farmer’s Almanac says all parts of paperwhite are poisonous, with the bulb most toxic, and that holly is poisonous to humans and many animals. Keep bulbs, branches, and other plant material where children and pets cannot ingest them. The cited guidance does not establish a dose threshold or provide individualized veterinary advice.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FORCE INDOORS NOW: These stunning paperwhites will grow in just water indoors or plant them outside.
- VERSATILE FLOWERS: These bulbs can be planted in containers or gardens, offering versatility in decorating your living spaces.
- LUSH FOLIAGE: Featuring long, slender green leaves that complement the pristine white flowers.
- EASY TO GROW: Paperwhites require minimal care, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- CZ GUARANTEE: Buy with confidence you are getting a quality product. Reach out with questions for a fast solution.
Rank #4
- You'll receive 10 Paperwhite Daffodils bulbs (no pot or container is included)
- Can be grown in a flower pot on your kitchen counter
- No pre-chilling required
- Comes with 2 pages of complete growing instructions and tips
- Large & Healthy 14+cm bulbs
Rank #3
- Exercise caution and use your best judgment before ordering during unusually hot or cold weather (below 32 degrees F, or in excess of 95F for shipping purposes), as these extremes may leave your plant vulnerable to damage. The optimal time for planting for most of our material is in mid to late spring, past the danger of hard frost. Please refer to our preferred shipping and planting guide for your area below.
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Blooms Mid Spring
- 10"-18" Tall
- Zone 2-10
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