December Birth Flower: Narcissus (Meaning + How to Grow Them)
December may be the start of winter, but December birth flowers brings a surprising mix of delicate beauty and festive charm. The two flowers associated with December are Narcissus and Holly—each with its own symbolism, look, and growing style. Whether you’re planning a winter garden or just love meaningful flowers, these are wonderful choices to explore.
Narcissus: A Symbol of Hope and Renewal
Narcissus is best known for its paperwhite blooms—soft, star-shaped flowers that often appear in crisp white with sunny centers. Because they bloom during the colder months, they symbolize hope, renewal, and new beginnings, making them especially meaningful for the end of the year.
Holly: A Classic Winter Evergreen
Holly is instantly recognizable with its glossy green leaves and bright red berries. It’s often used in holiday décor, but it also carries deep meaning—protection, peace, and goodwill.
Why You Should Grow December Birth Flower
Now that you know the flowers have you ever considered growing them? How fun would it be to have a garden full of the birth flowers of all your loved ones? Maybe your children, siblings, or loved ones that have moved on from this life. You can be in your garden and remember them, or maybe feel them with you. How healing for the soul, or just fun! Your front yard could depict your family without a family photo. Flowers have such a healing effect on the soul. My front yard is dedicated to flowers. Flowers I love and flowers that the people I love, love. Shasta daisies for my mother in law, lilacs for my grandma Mary, daffodils for my grandma Oda, hydrangeas for my mom, and peonies for me. Grow flowers that have meaning, and I think growing birth flowers is a great place to start.
How to Grow Narcissus (Especially Paperwhites)
Narcissus are one of the easiest flowers to grow, even indoors!
Growing Indoors (Perfect for Winter Blooms)
- Choose bulbs – Paperwhite narcissus bulbs are commonly sold in fall and early winter.
- Use a shallow container – No drainage holes needed if using stones.
- Add pebbles or potting soil – Nestle bulbs on top with the pointed end facing up.
- Add water – If using pebbles, keep water just below the base of the bulbs.
- Place in bright, indirect light – A sunny windowsill works well.
- Watch them grow! – Blooms usually appear in 3–6 weeks.
- Turn the container every few days so the stems grow straight.
Growing Outdoors
- Plant bulbs in fall before the ground freezes
- Choose well-draining soil and full to partial sun
- Plant bulbs about 2–3 inches deep
- Water lightly after planting
Narcissus will return year after year in mild climates.
December Birth Flower Gift Ideas
Are you a December Birthday or have a loved one with a December birthday? I have come up with a few fun, beautiful and cute ideas to make your December birthdays feel special.
- Narcissus necklace or jewelry
- Embroider a Narcissus on an article of clothing or hat
- Sticker of a Narcissus
- Narcissus bookmark
- Books about Narcissus one that I found is called Daffodils, Narcissus and How To Grow Them: Hardy Plants For Cut Flowers With a Guide To Varieties of Daffodils and Narcissus
- Journal with Narcissus on it
- The actual plant or bulb
- Narcissus coloring book
Final Thoughts: Why December Flower Matters
No matter what you do, enjoy this time of month. I have found focusing on what I love, flowers, and the relationships make this month special. Happy Birthday to all of the July birthdays. I hope you feel special this month because you are a larkspur or a water lily.
As always,
grow flowers to heal the soul,
Beth
