Determining what flowers are “in season” during December requires understanding the difference between natural outdoor growth and commercial availability. In many temperate regions, cold weather limits native floral displays, meaning the market relies on a blend of cold-tolerant bloomers, globally sourced imports, or greenhouse-forced items. This approach ensures a consistent supply of color and texture, despite the seasonal challenges of winter. The flowers and greenery commonly seen reflect what is naturally thriving and what is manipulated by horticulture to meet holiday demand.
Hardy Outdoor Bloomers
True December bloomers are generally restricted to regions with mild winters, such as USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10. These plants initiate flowering during cooler temperatures or periods of shorter daylight. The Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) is a prime example, often producing its white, rose-like blooms as early as December, sometimes pushing through light snow cover. These hardy perennials thrive in partial shade, and their tough sepals allow them to withstand the cold.
Certain varieties of the evergreen shrub Camellia also begin their flowering cycle in December, particularly the Camellia sasanqua types. Often called the “Rose of Winter,” these plants display plush, multi-petaled flowers in shades of red, pink, or white against their glossy green foliage. Gardeners in mild climates can also enjoy winter-hardy pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) and violas. These annuals are resilient enough to survive the cold and resume flowering quickly when temperatures briefly moderate.
Other cold-tolerant plants like Winter Heath (Erica carnea) and certain species of Cyclamen also begin to show color in December. The delicate, bell-shaped flowers of Winter Heath appear throughout the winter, often peaking between January and March in Zones 5-7. These outdoor bloomers are used by home gardeners to add seasonal interest to landscapes, though they are less common in commercial cut arrangements.
Commercial and Holiday Favorites
The majority of flowers available in December are products of controlled environments or global supply chains, ensuring a wide selection regardless of local weather conditions. The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is the most popular holiday plant, dominating the potted plant market during the season. The brilliant red, pink, or white parts of the Poinsettia are not flowers, but modified leaves called bracts. These bracts color up in response to the plant being exposed to specific periods of uninterrupted darkness.
Forced bulbs represent another large segment of the December floral market, capitalizing on the ability to manipulate a plant’s natural growth cycle. The Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) is highly sought after for its large, trumpet-shaped blooms that emerge from the bulb in two to four weeks after forcing begins. Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus) are also commonly forced for their clusters of small, fragrant white flowers, providing a delicate contrast to bolder holiday colors. Both Amaryllis and Paperwhites are typically sold as kits or actively growing plants that have been temperature-controlled to ensure they bloom during the holiday window.
Cut flowers that are not naturally in season are sourced through international imports, primarily from countries in South America and Africa suitable for year-round production. Classic cut flowers like Roses, Lilies, and Carnations are globally sourced and shipped in refrigerated conditions to maintain freshness. This supply chain allows florists to offer traditional floral arrangements that incorporate colors and varieties not possible with local, seasonal blooms. The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) also blooms reliably in December, providing segmented stems with vibrant pink or magenta flowers timed through careful light and temperature management.
Essential Winter Greenery and Accents
Greenery forms the structural and aromatic foundation of most December decorations, providing a seasonal backdrop for holiday arrangements. Various coniferous boughs are readily available, including those from firs, pines, and cedars, which are harvested for their long-lasting qualities. Specific types like Port Orford Cedar are favored for their strong scent and draping quality, while long-needle pine offers a chunkier, textural element.
Holly (Ilex) is a defining feature of winter decor, valued for its glossy green leaves and bright red berries. Mistletoe (Viscum album) is traditionally included in holiday accents, recognized for its pale berries and cultural significance. These woody elements provide volume and a fresh, resinous fragrance to indoor spaces.
Natural accents complement the greenery and flowers, adding textural depth to arrangements. Dried seed pods, such as those from Lotus or Sweet Gum, provide an interesting architectural element that contrasts with soft petals. Pinecones are readily available and widely used to fill out wreaths and garlands, emphasizing the natural winter environment.
Tips for Keeping December Arrangements Fresh
Arrangements made with cut flowers, potted plants, and fresh greenery require specialized care to maximize their longevity in the warm, dry environment of a heated indoor space. To prevent rapid water loss, all floral arrangements and potted plants should be placed away from direct heat sources, such as fireplaces, heating vents, and radiators. Warm, dry air accelerates the rate of transpiration, causing petals to wilt quickly and evergreen needles to drop.
Potted plants like Poinsettias are sensitive to both overwatering and cold drafts, both of which can cause leaf drop. The soil should only be watered when the surface feels dry to the touch, ensuring any excess water is allowed to drain completely away to prevent root rot. A cool, draught-free spot with bright, indirect light is ideal for maintaining the plant’s health and the color of its bracts.
Woody cut greenery, such as fir and cedar boughs, benefits from proper conditioning to maintain its suppleness and fragrance. Stems should be recut at an angle immediately before use to maximize the surface area for water absorption. Misting the boughs daily with water helps to slow the desiccation process, keeping the needles supple and reducing the chance of them becoming brittle.