December Birth Flowers
Decembers Birth Flowers are Narcissus (the paper white) and Holly.
Both flowers, although much different types of plants, symbolize HOPE.
Narcissus means your hope is that the loved stays just the way they are.
Coming from a bulb, the paper white is a winter-growing varietal, and the white color is a symbol for purity and (starting over) which is perfect symbol for end of the year and the beginning of a new one.
Some believe that sending a narcissus bulb/plant to a loved one has the meaning of they are the only one! It ensures happiness. The name Narcissis (from Greek Mythology) means son of the River God, Cephissus and the nymph, Liriope. A handsome man who belittled those who loved him. He was drawn (by the Goddess of Revenge) to a stream where he saw his own reflection and In his mind, he found perfection and fell in love with it. Thus, the term narcissistic, evolved.
The narcissus, stands tall, with perfect (of course) same size rectangular pedals of pure white. BTW, their sap is toxic to other flowers!! Go Figure! They are great container plants and require cooler locations in your home (again, of course they are cool, right?). No direct light, please. It may show their flaws and the narcissus wouldn’t want that.
The other nice plant for the month of December is the Holly. The colors are of course red and green as in Christmas. Regarded as a symbol of fertility and eternal life and thought to be the plant for the most promising domestic bliss. A woody type stem with could resemble roots or strength in “rootedness”. They do best is well-draining, moderately acidic soil and in full sun. They are evergreen plants associated with winter solstice;, warding off evil spirits and celebrates new growth. A symbol of a crown worn by Christ, the study of holly and their berries is quite interesting and rich in folklore. In Arizona, they can be houseplants or be left outside in a sunny spot as our winters seldom get below freezing. They work well outside when planted or placed against a house. wall or boulder, where the stucco or rock retains heat. They don’t enjoy being saturated but they do like a small drink weekly throughout the winter. Pour water just a long enough so that, if the dirt is touched after 24 hours of watering, you will find the top layer still damp. It takes a time or two to get adjusted to the watering so go light the first couple of times, as less is better. They enjoy bright light, near a window when indoors but not with heat beating down on them. Many varietals have sharp leaves. Be careful while touching and they should not be left where a child or animal would be in danger of getting poked in the eye..
Both of these plants are nice houseplants and make nice Holiday gifts.