Traditionally, it might be more common to associate the holiday season with Christmas trees than Christmas flowers, but just likefall flowers,spring flowers, and summer flowers, there are season-specific blooms and plants to keep in mind this December when sending someone a bouquet or looking for decor to make your house extra festive. Plus, there is a whole history of Christmas flowers that you might not have known about. Poinsettias, for example, have an entire history and culture that goes beyond the United States. In fact, according to Reader's Digest, the blooms are associated with Christmas because of a Mexican legend.
As the Roader's Digest article goes on to explain, the story states that a young girl didn't have a gift to leave for baby Jesus at the Christmas Even services. Eventually, she decided to give a gift of weeds from outside the church. Those weeds then magically turned into bright red poinsettias. But there's more: The flower didn't even have the name "poinsettia" until later, when the US Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, brought them back to the United States — hence, the name we now call the famous Christmas flower.
The winter season might not ever be as associated with flowers as spring or summer is, but there's still a lot to learn about the seasonal blooms. Here are the very best Christmas flowers and plants to brighten anyone's day.
Editor's note: Some of these can be toxic to pets. It's best to keep your Christmas flowers and plants in a closed-off room if you're afraid your furry friend might try to eat at them.
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Mistletoe
Mistletoe is one of the most charming plants of the winter season, for obvious reasons. Still, it's important to know that though kissing under it is perfectly fine, you should make sure you (or your pets) don't ingest any of it, because all parts of the plant (leaves, stem, and berries) are actually poisonous.
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Christmas Rose
The Christmas rose can bloom anywhere from late fall to early spring (meaning, yes, it could indeed bloom around Christmas), but is actually not even technically a rose. Instead, it's a member of the buttercup family.
You may not have heard of this vining plant, but its deep white and red petals create the most gorgeous contrast. When planted in a well-drained, sunny location, it can grow quite quickly and be a beautiful addition to any garden.
In addition to having a lovely name, the primrose is a great flower if you're looking for something that will begin bloom around winter. According to Southern Living, they do best with a cool, humid climate.
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Anthurium
Anthurium's deep red, shiny petals make it a great choice for any Christmas-themed display. If you have a warm, moist location inside (or a greenhouse) to display them in, then that's even better.
Though hydrangeas are typically associated with spring and summer, the snowball hydrangea (named for its blooms, which appear to be covered in snow). Plus, these can grow in colder climates so they are a good Christmas flower.
If you've ever spotted these flowers poking out of one of the last snows of winter, then you know exactly where they get their name. Though they're probably more of a spring flower than a winter or Christmas bloom, their charming name still gets them a spot on this list.
Cyclamen are a species of flower that actually go dormant during the summer, meaning Christmas and winter time is when they shine. Plus, their vibrant blooms make a big impact.
Much like mistletoe and holly, juniper branches and berries are often associated with the holiday season and look great in wreaths, bouquets, and other seasonal arrangements.
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Holly
Though technically not a flower, holly has to be included in its list for its classic Christmas-y nature. You'll find it mixed in with many seasonal bouquets (and mentioned in Christmas songs, too), as well. Keep in mind, though, that the holly plants berries are poisonous, so be careful where you put it around your home.
When it comes to gifting a flower for Christmas, paperwhites are one of the most thoughtful options. Not only are they gorgeous (the lily white blooms even look a little bit like snow), but they are incredibly easy to grow — one simply puts the bulb in water, and it grows.
According to Gardening in The Know, the Christmas cactus got its name because it was said to bloom at Christmastime each year (though, apparently, it's more like Thanksgiving, usually).
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Amaryllis
Amaryllis is another common flower in the holiday season because of its vibrant red and green colors and its dramatic height. Just a few of these blooms in a vase can be a real statement. Make sure to keep them in warm temperatures, though, as they don't do well in cooler climates, or any weather below 70 degrees.
The most recognizably "Christmas" flower of all is, of course, the poinsettia, which usually comes in red and green, with a variety of patterns. Just be sure to keep the plant in mild temperatures (indoors, ideally) to keep it as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Olivia MuenterOlivia Muenter is a freelance writer and former fashion and beauty editor who writes about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, relationships, travel, home decor, and more for Woman's Day and beyond.
