December Birth Flower: Narcissus and Holly Meaning and Care

December is the darkest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and its birth flowers bring light and life to winter. Paperwhite narcissus fill homes with clusters of white, starry flowers and a rich scent. Holly offers glossy evergreen leaves and bright red berries just when the garden is at its barest.

One is a bulb that you can bring into bloom on a sunny windowsill. The other is a hardy shrub that has been tied to winter festivals since ancient times. Both make thoughtful gifts for someone born in the last month of the year.

This guide explains what each December birth flower means, where the traditions come from and how to grow both. It covers forcing paperwhites, caring for holly, safety tips, the December birthstones, the two December zodiac signs and gift ideas. For every month in one place, see our birth month flowers guide.

What Is the December Birth Flower?

December has two birth flowers. The narcissus is the primary flower, and holly is the secondary flower. Most US birth flower charts list both. Some also name the poinsettia as a December flower, but the narcissus and holly are the traditional pair.

The narcissus earns its place because paperwhites are easy to bring into bloom indoors in December, and in mild climates they flower outdoors in winter. Holly earns its place through its long link with winter holidays. Its berries ripen in late fall and stay bright red through December.

Flower	Botanical name	Main meaning	Color	Season of interest
Narcissus (paperwhite)	Narcissus papyraceus and tazetta types	Hope, good wishes, new beginnings	White, cream, yellow	Indoors in winter, outdoors late winter in mild areas
Holly	Ilex species	Protection, good luck, domestic happiness	Green leaves, red berries	Fall and winter

Narcissus: December’s Primary Birth Flower

Narcissus is a genus of spring bulbs in the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae. It includes the daffodils, which are the March birth flower, and the smaller-cupped, multi-flowered tazetta types, which include paperwhites.

Paperwhites

Paperwhites, Narcissus papyraceus, carry clusters of small, pure white flowers on stems 12 to 18 inches tall. They come from the Mediterranean and do not need a cold period to bloom, which makes them perfect for forcing indoors in winter. Their scent is strong and sweet, though some people find it musky.

Narcissus and Daffodils

All daffodils are narcissus, and the two words are often used for the same flowers. In birth flower lists, the daffodil is linked to March and the paperwhite narcissus to December. To read about the spring trumpet types, see our guide to the March birth flower.

Narcissus Meaning and Symbolism

The narcissus stands for hope, good wishes, respect and new beginnings. Flowering in the dark of winter, it is a promise that spring will come again.

The Myth of Narcissus

The flower’s name comes from a Greek myth. Narcissus was a young hunter so handsome that many fell in love with him, but he cared for no one. As a punishment, he was made to fall in love with his own reflection in a pool. He stayed by the water, unable to look away, until he faded and died. In his place grew a flower with a nodding head, bent as if looking down at the water.

Because of this story, the narcissus sometimes stands for vanity or self-love. In modern birth flower meaning, though, it is mostly a symbol of hope and renewal.

Narcissus in Other Cultures

In China, the narcissus is called the water fairy flower. It blooms around the Lunar New Year and stands for good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead. Growing narcissus bulbs in bowls of water for the new year is a long tradition.

Narcissus Meaning by Color

• White narcissus: purity, peace and new beginnings.
• Yellow narcissus: joy, friendship and good wishes.
• Bicolor narcissus: respect and hope.

Holly: December’s Second Birth Flower

Holly belongs to the genus Ilex, which has around 400 to 500 species of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs. The most familiar types have glossy, spiny leaves and red berries.

Common Types of Holly

• American holly (Ilex opaca): a native evergreen tree of the eastern US with dull green, spiny leaves and red berries. Hardy in about Zones 5 to 9.
• English holly (Ilex aquifolium): the classic Christmas holly with very glossy, spiny leaves. It is invasive in the Pacific Northwest.
• Blue holly (Ilex × meserveae): very hardy hybrids with blue-green leaves, such as ‘Blue Princess’ and ‘Blue Prince’.
• Winterberry (Ilex verticillata): a native deciduous holly that drops its leaves in fall and keeps masses of red berries on bare stems.
• Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria): a native evergreen holly of the Southeast, often used for hedges.

Holly Flowers

Holly does flower. In spring, it bears small white or greenish flowers that are easy to miss. Holly is dioecious, which means each plant is either male or female. Only female plants make berries, and only if a male plant grows nearby to provide pollen.

Holly Meaning and Symbolism

Holly stands for protection, good luck, goodwill and domestic happiness. Because it stays green when other plants are bare, it has long been a symbol of life that lasts through winter.

Holly in Ancient Times

The Romans used holly during Saturnalia, their winter festival in December. They gave holly wreaths as gifts of goodwill. In northern Europe, holly was brought indoors in winter to shelter friendly spirits and to protect homes from harm. People believed it kept away lightning and bad luck.

Holly and Christmas

When Christmas spread across Europe, holly became part of the celebration. In Christian tradition, the spiny leaves came to stand for the crown of thorns, and the red berries for drops of blood. The carol “The Holly and the Ivy” reflects this long history. Today, holly appears on wreaths, garlands and holiday cards around the world.

How to Force Paperwhites Indoors

Forcing paperwhites is one of the easiest ways to have flowers in winter. Unlike most bulbs, they need no chilling.

What You Need

• Paperwhite bulbs, firm and free of mold.
• A shallow bowl or pot without drainage holes, 3 to 4 inches deep.
• Pebbles, glass beads or gravel.
• Water.

Step by Step

1. Fill the bowl with 2 to 3 inches of pebbles.
2. Set the bulbs on top, pointed end up, close together so they almost touch.
3. Add more pebbles around the bulbs to hold them steady, leaving the top half of each bulb showing.
4. Add water until it just reaches the base of the bulbs. Do not let the water cover the bulbs, or they may rot.
5. Keep the bowl in a cool spot out of direct sun for the first week or two while roots grow.
6. Once shoots are a few inches tall, move the bowl to a bright, cool window.
7. Check the water every few days and top it up to the base of the bulbs.

Paperwhites usually bloom 4 to 6 weeks after planting. For blooms in December, plant them in early to mid November. For a longer show, start a new bowl every two weeks.

How to Keep Paperwhites from Flopping

Paperwhites often grow tall and flop over, especially in warm, dim rooms. Keep them as cool and bright as you can. Researchers at Cornell University’s Flower Bulb Research Program found that a little alcohol can help. Once the shoots are 1 to 2 inches tall, replace the water with a weak solution of about 1 part 80-proof liquor, such as vodka or gin, to 7 parts water. This keeps the stems shorter and sturdier without harming the flowers. Do not use beer or wine, which contain sugars.

After Flowering

Paperwhites forced in water use up most of their energy. In most areas, it is best to compost them after they bloom. In Zones 8 to 11, you can plant them outdoors, and they may flower again in a year or two.

Growing Paperwhites Outdoors

In mild climates, paperwhites grow well in the garden. Plant the bulbs in fall, 3 to 4 inches deep, in full sun and well-drained soil. They bloom in late fall to late winter and come back each year.

How to Grow Holly

Holly is a long-lived, low-care shrub or tree once it settles in.

Planting Holly

Plant holly in spring or early fall. Most hollies like full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Female plants make the most berries in full sun. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, set the plant at the same depth it grew in the pot and water it well.

Getting Berries

To get berries, plant at least one male holly within about 30 to 40 feet of your female plants. One male can pollinate several females. The male must be of a type that blooms at the same time, so buy plants labeled as matching pairs. For example, ‘Blue Prince’ pollinates ‘Blue Princess’.

Watering and Feeding

Water young hollies deeply once a week in their first year. Mature plants handle short dry spells. A layer of mulch keeps roots cool and moist. Feed in spring with a fertilizer made for acid-loving plants if growth is weak.

Pruning Holly

Prune holly in late winter, before new growth starts. December is a great time to cut a few branches for holiday decorations, which doubles as a light prune. Wear gloves, since the spiny leaves are sharp.

Common Holly Problems

• No berries: usually no male plant nearby, or the plant is male. Too much shade also cuts berries.
• Yellow leaves: often caused by soil that is not acidic enough.
• Leaf miners and scale: small insects that damage leaves. Prune out badly affected stems.

Are Paperwhites and Holly Poisonous?

Yes. Paperwhite bulbs, leaves and flowers contain lycorine and other compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain if eaten. The bulbs are the most toxic part and can be mistaken for onions, so store them away from food.

Holly berries are toxic to people and pets. Eating them can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness. Children are often drawn to the bright red berries, so keep holly decorations out of reach. The ASPCA lists holly as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. If you think a person has eaten part of either plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

December Birthstone and Zodiac Signs

December has several birthstones. Turquoise is the traditional stone, a sky-blue gem linked to luck and protection. Tanzanite and zircon are also December stones, and blue topaz is a popular modern choice.

People born from December 1 to December 21 are Sagittarius, a fire sign known for optimism and a love of adventure. Those born from December 22 to December 31 are Capricorn, an earth sign known for patience and hard work.

December Birth Flower Gift Ideas

Indoor Flowers

A bowl of paperwhites already sprouting makes a lovely December birthday gift. Add a note with the bloom date and the alcohol tip to keep them upright. Pair them with an amaryllis for a bigger holiday display.

Gifts with Holly

• A fresh holly wreath for the front door.
• A potted holly shrub for the garden, ideally with a male partner.
• A small arrangement of holly, evergreens and white narcissus.
• A turquoise piece of jewelry with a sprig of holly.

For tips on building winter arrangements, see our beginner’s guide to flower arranging. For the next month’s flowers, read about the January birth flower.

Fun Facts About the December Birth Flowers

• Paperwhites can grow roots and shoots with no soil at all, just pebbles and water.
• In Chinese tradition, carved narcissus bulbs are grown to bloom right on the Lunar New Year.
• American holly can live more than 100 years and grow over 40 feet tall in the wild.
• Holly wood is very pale and hard, and it has been used for chess pieces and inlay work.
• Birds such as robins and cedar waxwings eat holly berries in late winter.

December Birth Flower FAQs

What is the December birth flower?

December has two birth flowers. The narcissus, usually the paperwhite, is the primary December birth flower, and holly is the secondary flower. The narcissus stands for hope, good wishes and new beginnings. Holly stands for protection, good luck and domestic happiness.

What does the narcissus flower symbolize?

The narcissus symbolizes hope, respect, good wishes and new beginnings. Its name comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection, so it can also stand for vanity. In China, it stands for good fortune at the Lunar New Year.

What does holly symbolize?

Holly symbolizes protection, good luck, goodwill and domestic happiness. The Romans gave holly at Saturnalia, and in northern Europe it was hung in homes to keep away harm. In Christian tradition, its spiny leaves and red berries became symbols of Christmas.

How long do paperwhites take to bloom?

Paperwhites usually bloom about 4 to 6 weeks after you set them in pebbles and water. For flowers in December, plant them in early to mid November. Start a new bowl every two weeks for a longer show.

Why is my holly not producing berries?

Most hollies are either male or female, and only females make berries. A female holly also needs a male of a matching type growing within about 30 to 40 feet. Too much shade, harsh pruning in spring or a young plant can also mean few berries.

Are holly berries poisonous?

Yes. Holly berries are toxic to people and pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drowsiness. Keep holly decorations out of reach of children and pets, and call Poison Control or your vet if you think any berries were eaten.

What is the December birthstone?

December’s traditional birthstone is turquoise. Tanzanite and zircon are also December stones, and blue topaz is a popular modern choice. People born from December 1 to December 21 are Sagittarius, and those born from December 22 to December 31 are Capricorn.