December Birth Flowers: Narcissus and Holly Meaning, and What to Send in Summer
The December birth flowers are the narcissus, usually the white paperwhite, and holly. The narcissus stands for good wishes and hope, and holly for protection and goodwill. In Australia December falls in summer, so narcissus are out of season here. This guide covers what the December birth flowers mean, every month's birth flowers, and what to send for a December birthday in Melbourne instead.
December birthday flowers, delivered same day
Order by 12pm Monday to Friday or 9am Saturday for same day delivery across Melbourne.
What is the December birth flower?
December is one of the months with two birth flowers. The first is the narcissus, a spring bulb flower from the same family as the daffodil and jonquil. For December it is usually the paperwhite, a small, fragrant, pure white narcissus that grows in clusters on one stem. The second is holly, the glossy evergreen with red berries that has long been part of northern winter celebrations. Some lists also name the poinsettia as a December flower because of its link with Christmas.
Narcissus meaning
The narcissus traditionally stands for good wishes, hope and new beginnings, which suits a birthday at the end of the year. The paperwhite's clean white colour also gives it a sense of sweetness and purity. In the language of flowers, a bunch of narcissus is a way of saying "stay as you are".
Holly meaning
Holly is linked with protection, goodwill and a happy home. Because it stays green through winter in the northern hemisphere, it also became a sign of hope and lasting life. As a December birth flower it carries a message of warmth and good fortune for the year ahead.
December birth flowers in Australia
Birth flower lists come from the northern hemisphere, where December is winter. In Australia the seasons are reversed: narcissus, jonquils and daffodils flower here in winter and early spring, so by December they have finished. Holly is a northern winter plant that isn't a usual part of Australian summer bouquets either.
That doesn't mean you can't honour a December birthday with flowers. The simplest way is to take the colours of the birth flowers rather than the flowers themselves: crisp white for the paperwhite and deep green for holly. A white and green arrangement looks fresh and elegant in summer, and it still tells the story of the December birth flowers.
What to send for a December birthday in Melbourne
Start with the person, then the colour:
- White and green for a classic look that echoes the paperwhite and holly, such as our Mentone Beach Walk vase arrangement.
- Bright and summery for someone who loves colour. See our bright and colourful flowers.
- Soft pastels for a romantic, gentle birthday, such as Lavish Pastel.
- Let our florists choose with the Florist's Surprise, made with the best seasonal flowers of the day.
Our florists work with what's best at the market each morning, so the flowers in each design can change with the season. Browse every option on our birthday flowers page, or read our guide to seasonal flowers in Melbourne.
Birth flowers by month
Every month has its own birth flower, and many have two. Here is the traditional list:
| Month | Birth flowers |
|---|---|
| January | Carnation and snowdrop |
| February | Violet and primrose |
| March | Daffodil (jonquil) |
| April | Daisy and sweet pea |
| May | Lily of the valley and hawthorn |
| June | Rose and honeysuckle |
| July | Larkspur and water lily |
| August | Gladiolus and poppy |
| September | Aster and morning glory |
| October | Marigold and cosmos |
| November | Chrysanthemum |
| December | Narcissus (paperwhite) and holly |
For more on individual flowers, see our types of flowers page.
Birthday card messages for December
December birthdays often get squeezed by Christmas and the end of the year, so a few warm words go a long way. Some ideas:
- “Happy birthday! Wishing you sunshine, good wishes and a wonderful year ahead.”
- “Your birthday gets lost in the Christmas rush every year, but not this time. Happy birthday!”
- “Happy birthday to someone who makes December the best month of the year.”
- “Wishing you a summer birthday full of the people and things you love.”
Add your message at checkout and we print it on a Flowers Alley card that goes with the flowers.
Same day birthday flower delivery
Order by 12pm Monday to Friday or 9am Saturday and we deliver the same day across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, to more than 430 suburbs. Delivery starts from $24.95, and you can choose any future date at checkout if the birthday is later in the month. Every arrangement is made in our Cheltenham studio on the morning of delivery.
Send December birthday flowers
Your message is printed on a card, and we never include the price.
December birth flower questions
What is the December birth flower?
December has two birth flowers: the narcissus, usually the white paperwhite, and holly. Some lists also add the poinsettia because of its link with Christmas.
What does the December birth flower mean?
The narcissus traditionally stands for good wishes, hope and new beginnings. Holly stands for protection, goodwill and a happy home. Together they make a warm message for a December birthday.
Can I get narcissus flowers in Melbourne in December?
Usually not. In Australia narcissus, jonquils and daffodils flower in winter and early spring, so they're out of season by December. For a December birthday we suggest white and green flowers, which echo the paperwhite and holly, or a bright summer bouquet.
What flowers should I send for a December birthday?
Choose by the person's style: white and green for a classic look that nods to the December birth flowers, or bright colours for summer. Our florists use the best seasonal flowers on the day of delivery, and you can add a printed card message at checkout.
Can you deliver December birthday flowers today?
Yes. Order by 12pm Monday to Friday or 9am on Saturday for same day delivery across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Delivery starts from $24.95 and we deliver to more than 430 suburbs.