December Birth Flowers Explained: Paperwhite and Holly Symbolism, Meaning and Care Tips

Ever thought of what is the birth flower for December? If not, then the two December birth flowers are Paperwhite and the holly flower. The holly flower holds a significant place in Christmas cards. On the other hand, a Paperwhite is a variety of the narcissus flower, which has a strong fragrance and fills the room with positive vibes. 

Read further to know about the two December birthday flowers, their meaning and symbolism, taxonomic overview and much more. 

What are the Two December Birth Flowers?

Paperwhite and holly flowers are two birth month flower for December. The reason why every month has two birth flowers is that it provides more variety and choices to an individual seeking a birthday present. The flowers are also chosen based on how well they associate with the personality of the people born in the particular month. 

Paperwhites are often associated with purity, innocence and rebirth. The flower also symbolises the beginning of spring. Therefore, it is an appropriate choice for various celebrations. On the other hand, holly flowers represent fertility, protection, and good luck, which makes them a perfect choice for the Dec birth flower. 

To know more about the two flowers, let’s dive into their meaning and significance, taxonomic overview, ideal growing conditions, care tips, and tattoo ideas one by one. 

Paperwhite: The First December Flower 

Paperwhites are the popular species of daffodil, known for their fragrance and star-shaped flowers. The flower is native to the Mediterranean region and blooms in late winter to early spring, making it a perfect choice for indoor decoration during the festive season. For more general information, here is the taxonomic overview and ideal growing conditions of the plant- 

Botanical name	Narcissus papyraceus
Kingdom	Plantae
Order	Aspargales
Family	Amaryllidaceae
Genus	Narcissus
Species	N. papyraceus
Hardiness	8-11 USDA zone
Light requirements	Bright, direct sunlight or light shade
Garden uses	Used in rock gardens, borders, and cottage gardens.
Plant type	Perennial, bulb
Maintenance	Low
Bloom season	Spring and winter
Soil	Well-drained, fertile soil with acidic pH levels.
Water requirements	Regular watering when the top layer of the soil dries out completely.  If you are planning to pot the flower in water, make sure to keep the roots submerged in it.  Note- Make sure not to overwater the plant to avoid root rot.
Mature size	8 to 30 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide
Fertilizers	Paperwhite prefers no fertilisers, so it is recommended not to force fertilisers on the plant.

Meaning and Symbolism of Paperwhite

Paperwhites symbolise purity, hope, innocence, and rebirth, and are also associated with the beginning of spring. Their sweet fragrance is also said to attract good vibes and a positive aura in the house. 

The flower holds significant meaning in the Victorian era, as it meant you were the “only one”.  A bouquet of paperwhite was and still is a way to express pure and unconditional love. 

Care Tips For Paperwhite

Paperwhite flowers are low-maintenance flowers, yet here are some care tips for the plant to bloom more significantly.

• Paperwhite flowers like direct light before blooming, so it becomes essential to place the plant under direct sunlight. Later, it is recommended to move the plant to a spot with indirect light.  
• The plant does not like over-watering, hence it is recommended to water the plant once the top layer of the soil dries. 
• If you are forcing the paperwhites in water, add water as needed to maintain the water level at the base of the bulbs. 
• Skip fertilisation if you are placing the plant indoors. 
• Plant the Paperwhite plant in a well-drained potting mix. 
• The flowers only bloom once in a season. Do not expect the same plant to bloom in another season. 

Tattoo Ideas for Paperwhite Flower

If you are planning to get a tattoo of the Paperwhite flower that resonates with your personality, here are some of my personal suggestions.

Read more: June Birth Flower (Rose and Honeysuckle): Meaning, Symbol, Care Tips & More

Holly: The Second December Birth Flower

Holly flowers are an evergreen shrub or tree known for their glossy, dark green leaves. The plant produces small white or greenish-white flowers. Only the female plants are known for producing red berries when pollinated by a nearby male plant. For more general information, here is the taxonomic overview and ideal growing conditions of the plant- 

Botanical name	Ilex spp.
Kingdom	Plantae
Order	Aquifoliales
Family	Aquifoliaceae
Genus	Ilex
Species	Ilex aquifolium
Hardiness	3-9 USDA zone
Light requirements	Bright, direct sunlight or light shade
Plant type	Woody evergreen or deciduous shrubs and trees
Growth habit	Slow-to-moderate, upright, and bushy.
Maintenance	Low to medium
Bloom season	Summer and fall
Soil	Well-drained, rich, fertile soil with acidic pH levels.  Note – use high-quality potting mix and make sure that the container has a proper drainage hole for air circulation.
Water requirements	Moderate watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Note- Make sure not to overwater the plant to avoid root rot.
Mature size	15 to 30 ft. tall and 8 to 15 ft. wide.
Fertilizers	Holly plants can be fertilised in spring and winter with slow-release fertilisers that are formulated for acidic soil.

Meaning and Symbolism of Holly

Holly flowers symbolise good luck, fertility, and protection. The flowers are also associated with eternal life and hope in some cultures. The plant’s spiky leaves are believed to eliminate negative energies and safeguard the home. 

In Christianity, the flower is associated with the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. The berries’ red colour represents the blood droplets. 

The Celts used the plant as a reminder that life continues even on the darkest day, representing the revival of hope. 

Care Tips for this December Birthday Flower

Here are some of the care tips for better and continuous blooming of your Holly plant- 

• Choose a location with full sunlight and partial shade.
• Use well-drained soil that is slightly acidic in nature. 
• Water the plant regularly until the plants are established. Later, water the plant moderately and keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering the plant. 
• Use slow-release fertilizers which are suitable for acidic soil.

Holly Flower Tattoo Ideas

Check out some amazing tattoo designs of holly flowers, and bookmark them if you are planning to get them inked. 

Read more: Bleeding Heart Plant: How to Grow This Perennial Twining Vine?

What Do the December Birth Flowers Say About Your Personality?

If you are born in December or know someone who is born in December, your birth flowers are white paper and holly flowers. The flowers symbolise a blend of hope, protection, purity, and warmth. While Paperwhite flowers symbolise a gentle, optimistic, and forward-looking personality, holly flowers represent bold, traditional, and fiercely loyal people. 

The Paperwhite flowers are best for gifting to people who are quiet and introverted. On the other hand, holly flowers are best for extroverts and party lovers. 

If you are planning to gift any of the two flowers or a bouquet made of the combination of two flowers, here are some of the bouquet inspirations for you:

Read more: September Birth Flower: Aster and Morning Glory

Final Thoughts 

The two December birth flowers are paperwhite and holly flowers. The December birth month flower represents hope, good fortune, optimism, and purity. While the month brings a chill, cold breeze, the holly flower represents the hope for survival even on the toughest days. Similarly, people who are born in December are optimistic, have a pure heart, and reflect an innocent and bold personality. 

So, if you have someone close who is born in December, a bouquet made from paperwhite and holly flowers paired with a chocolate, perfume, card, or anything personalised is the perfect gift.

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