December may bring frosty mornings and snow-covered gardens to some parts of the world, but elsewhere, colorful flowers are bursting into bloom under the summer sunshine!
From delicate Christmas roses and cheerful winter jasmine in the Northern Hemisphere to vibrant Christmas bells and agapanthus in Australia, December offers a surprising variety of beautiful flowers.
Even tropical regions have their seasonal favorites, with exotic blooms adding color to gardens throughout the month.
Whether you’re searching for winter flowers, planning a December garden, or simply curious about what’s blooming around the world, these 12 beautiful flowers reveal how different climates create very different flowering seasons.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
What flowers naturally bloom in December?
Christmas roses, winter jasmine, certain camellias, and winter heath can bloom during December in suitable Northern Hemisphere climates. In Australia and other Southern Hemisphere locations, summer-flowering plants such as agapanthus and Christmas bells may be in bloom.
Are there flowers that bloom outdoors in winter?
Yes! Winter jasmine, Christmas roses, winter heath, and some camellias can flower outdoors during winter. Their flowering periods depend on local temperatures, growing conditions, and the particular species or cultivar.
Which tropical flowers bloom in December?
Anthuriums, heliconias, bougainvillea, and some tropical gingers may bloom during December in warm climates. Flowering depends on rainfall, temperature, sunlight, and the growing conditions of each species.
Why do some flowers bloom during winter?
Some plants have evolved flowering cycles suited to cooler temperatures or shorter days. Others begin flowering after seasonal temperature changes or periods of dormancy. These adaptations allow certain species to produce flowers when many other plants are resting.
Can December-blooming flowers grow in cold climates?
Yes, but choosing the right plants is essential. Cold-hardy flowers such as Christmas roses and winter heath can survive winter conditions in suitable growing zones. Tropical plants generally require frost-free environments or indoor protection during cold weather.
12 Beautiful Flowers That Bloom in December Around the World
From cold-hardy winter bloomers to colorful summer flowers and tropical favorites, December offers more floral variety than you might expect.
Let’s explore 12 beautiful flowers that can bloom during this month, where they grow, and the conditions that help them flourish.
Why December Flowers Differ Around the World
December brings very different growing conditions depending on where you live.
In the Northern Hemisphere, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany experience shorter days and cooler temperatures. Many plants enter dormancy, although cold-adapted flowers such as hellebores, winter jasmine, and certain camellias can still produce beautiful blooms.
Meanwhile, December marks the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Countries such as Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand experience longer days and generally warmer temperatures, creating favorable conditions for many summer-flowering plants.
Tropical regions are different again. Rather than experiencing four distinct seasons, many tropical locations have wet and dry periods that influence flowering.
The important thing to remember: December flowering depends on geographical location, climate, and the natural growing cycle of each plant. A flower blooming outdoors in Australia during December may not flower at the same time in Canada.
12 Flowers That Can Bloom in December
From delicate white winter flowers to brilliant tropical blooms, December offers a colorful collection of flowering plants around the world.
Here are 12 beautiful flowers that can bloom during December, depending on their growing conditions and location.
A Note About December Blooms: Some flowers on this list bloom naturally outdoors during December, while others are commonly grown indoors or brought into flower through controlled cultivation. Their flowering periods depend on location, climate, and growing conditions.
1. Christmas Rose — Helleborus niger
Don’t let the name fool you! The Christmas rose isn’t actually a rose. It’s a cold-hardy perennial belonging to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae.
This charming winter flower produces delicate white blossoms with prominent yellow stamens. As the flowers mature, their showy white sepals may develop soft pink or greenish tones, extending their ornamental appeal.
Native to parts of mountainous Europe, Christmas roses are especially appreciated for their ability to bloom when many garden plants are dormant.
In suitable climates, flowering can begin during December and continue into late winter or early spring. However, the exact timing varies with local temperatures and growing conditions.
Christmas roses prefer humus-rich, well-drained soil and partial shade, making them lovely additions to woodland gardens and sheltered winter borders.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Possible in suitable Northern Hemisphere climates |
| Growing conditions | Partial shade; fertile, well-drained soil |
| Best suited for | Woodland gardens and sheltered flower beds |
Gardener’s Note: Christmas roses are toxic if ingested. Wear gloves when handling the plants, and keep them away from curious pets and children.
2. Winter Camellia — Camellia sasanqua cultivars
Imagine walking through a garden in December and discovering a shrub covered in beautiful, rose-like flowers! That’s the charm of winter-flowering camellias.
Native to Japan, Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. Depending on the cultivar, blooms may be single, semi-double, or double, with some varieties offering a light fragrance.
Unlike many spring-flowering camellias, Camellia sasanqua typically flowers from autumn into early winter. In mild climates, some cultivars continue blooming through December.
Winter camellias prefer acidic, well-drained soil and sheltered locations with partial shade or gentle sunlight. They make attractive flowering hedges, specimen shrubs, and container plants.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Autumn to early winter; some cultivars bloom in December |
| Growing conditions | Acidic, well-drained soil; partial shade or gentle sunlight |
| Best suited for | Sheltered gardens, flowering hedges, and large containers |
Gardener’s Tip: Protect camellias from drying winter winds and harsh morning sunlight after freezing nights, which can damage developing flower buds.
3. Winter Jasmine — Jasminum nudiflorum
Who says winter gardens have to be dull? Winter jasmine brings a cheerful splash of sunshine to the colder months with its bright yellow, six-lobed flowers.
Native to China, this deciduous shrub produces long, arching green stems that can be trained along walls, fences, or trellises. Unlike many familiar jasmines, its flowers have little to no fragrance.
One of its most unusual characteristics is that the flowers often appear before the leaves, creating a striking display of yellow blossoms against bare branches.
Winter jasmine can begin flowering in December in suitable Northern Hemisphere climates, although blooming may occur later in colder regions.
It grows best in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. Once established, it is relatively easy to maintain.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Possible from December in mild climates; often later in colder regions |
| Growing conditions | Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil |
| Best suited for | Walls, slopes, fences, and winter garden borders |
Gardener’s Tip: Winter jasmine is a scrambling shrub rather than a true climbing vine. Tie its long stems to supports if you want it to grow against a wall or trellis.
4. Christmas Bush — Ceratopetalum gummiferum
Australia’s Christmas bush is a wonderful reminder that December doesn’t mean winter everywhere!
Native to eastern Australia, this evergreen shrub or small tree is famous for its brilliant red holiday display. However, the colorful red structures aren’t actually flower petals.
Christmas bush initially produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers. After flowering, the surrounding sepals enlarge and gradually turn pink or red, creating the spectacular display associated with the Australian Christmas season.
In suitable growing regions, the flowers appear during late spring and early summer, with the colorful sepals often reaching their peak around December.
Christmas bush prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and a sunny to partially shaded location. It is particularly attractive in native gardens and as a flowering feature plant.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December display | Red or pink sepals following the small, pale flowers |
| Growing conditions | Full sun to partial shade; well-drained, slightly acidic soil |
| Best suited for | Australian native gardens, large borders, and feature planting |
Gardener’s Tip: Choose a cultivar known for reliable red coloring if you want the strongest Christmas display. Flowering and sepal coloration can vary with climate and growing conditions.
5. Christmas Bells — Blandfordia species
Few flowers capture the spirit of an Australian summer quite like Christmas bells!
These distinctive native plants produce clusters of beautiful, bell-shaped flowers in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Their colorful blooms hang from upright stems, creating a cheerful display above narrow, grass-like leaves.
Christmas bells belong to the genus Blandfordia, which includes several species native to eastern Australia.
Many flower during the Australian summer, with December falling within the flowering season of some species. Their natural habitats include coastal heathlands and areas with moist, acidic soils.
Christmas bells are admired for their unusual appearance but can be challenging to cultivate outside suitable growing conditions.
They generally prefer acidic, well-drained growing media with consistent moisture and protection from excessive root disturbance.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Summer flowering; December blooms depend on species and location |
| Growing conditions | Acidic, well-drained growing media; consistent moisture |
| Best suited for | Specialist native gardens and suitable container cultivation |
Gardener’s Tip: Christmas bells have specialized growing requirements. Purchase nursery-propagated plants rather than collecting them from the wild, where native populations may be protected.
6. Summer-flowering Agapanthus — Agapanthus hybrids
With their spectacular clusters of blue, purple, or white flowers, agapanthus plants bring a burst of summer color to December gardens in the Southern Hemisphere.
Native to southern Africa, members of the genus Agapanthus produce tall, sturdy flower stalks topped with rounded clusters of trumpet-shaped blossoms. Their long, strap-like leaves create an attractive green backdrop.
Often called African lilies or lilies of the Nile, these plants are not true lilies.
Many summer-flowering agapanthus varieties bloom from late spring through summer, making December an important flowering month in suitable regions of Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Agapanthus generally grows best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Once established, many varieties tolerate short periods of dry weather.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Common during Southern Hemisphere summer in suitable climates |
| Growing conditions | Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil |
| Best suited for | Sunny borders, mass planting, and large containers |
Gardener’s Tip: Some agapanthus species and cultivars can spread aggressively or become invasive in certain regions. Check local planting recommendations before adding them to your garden.
7. Poinsettia — Euphorbia pulcherrima
No December flower collection would feel complete without the iconic poinsettia!
Originally from Mexico and Central America, poinsettias are famous for their brilliant red, pink, white, or cream-colored displays during the holiday season.
But here’s an interesting botanical surprise: those colorful structures aren’t flower petals. They’re modified leaves called bracts, which surround clusters of tiny yellowish flowers.
Poinsettias respond to long periods of uninterrupted darkness, making their natural flowering cycle closely associated with shorter days in the Northern Hemisphere.
In frost-free tropical and subtropical climates, they can grow outdoors as large shrubs. In colder regions, they are primarily enjoyed as seasonal indoor plants.
Poinsettias prefer bright, indirect indoor light and well-drained potting mix. Protect them from cold drafts and prolonged exposure to soggy soil.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Seasonal flowering in suitable climates; commonly sold in bloom indoors |
| Growing conditions | Bright, indirect light indoors; well-drained potting mix |
| Best suited for | Holiday displays, indoor containers, and frost-free gardens |
Gardener’s Tip: Poinsettias contain a milky sap that may irritate skin and cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep them away from pets that chew plants.
8. Christmas Cactus — Schlumbergera hybrids
While many outdoor gardens are resting during December, Christmas cacti can brighten indoor spaces with their spectacular holiday flowers!
Native to the tropical forests of southeastern Brazil, these unusual cacti grow naturally in humid environments rather than dry deserts.
Their flattened, segmented green stems produce elegant tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and orange, depending on the variety.
Many cultivated holiday cacti bloom during autumn or early winter. However, the exact flowering period depends on the hybrid, temperature, and exposure to long nights.
Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light, well-drained potting mix, and moderate watering. Unlike desert cacti, they should not be left completely dry for extended periods.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Common in some cultivated holiday cactus varieties |
| Growing conditions | Bright, indirect light; airy, well-drained potting mix |
| Best suited for | Indoor containers, shelves, and hanging baskets |
Gardener’s Tip: Christmas cacti and Thanksgiving cacti are frequently confused. Their flowering periods overlap, so bloom timing alone isn’t enough to identify them.
9. Paperwhite Narcissus — Narcissus papyraceus
Looking for beautiful white flowers that brighten your home during December? Paperwhite narcissus is a wonderful choice!
Native to parts of the Mediterranean region, paperwhites produce clusters of delicate, star-shaped white flowers with small central cups. Their blossoms have a distinctive fragrance that some people love and others find quite strong.
Paperwhites are especially popular for indoor winter displays because their bulbs can flower without the prolonged chilling period required by many other spring-flowering bulbs.
When planted indoors at the appropriate time, they can produce beautiful December blooms, often within several weeks.
In suitable mild climates, paperwhites may also grow outdoors, although their natural flowering season varies by location.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Common indoors when bulbs are started at the appropriate time |
| Growing conditions | Bright light; well-drained growing medium or suitable water culture |
| Best suited for | Indoor winter displays, containers, and mild-climate gardens |
Gardener’s Tip: Paperwhite narcissus bulbs and other plant parts contain toxic compounds. Keep them away from pets and children, particularly curious animals that may dig up bulbs.
10. Cyclamen — Cyclamen persicum
With their delicate, butterfly-like flowers rising above beautifully patterned leaves, cyclamen bring an elegant touch of color to December.
Native to the eastern Mediterranean region, Cyclamen persicum is admired for its upswept petals in shades of pink, red, purple, and white.
Its attractive heart-shaped leaves often feature silver or pale green markings, making the plant decorative even between flowering periods.
Florist cyclamen are commonly sold in bloom during autumn and winter, making December an excellent time to enjoy them indoors.
Unlike many tropical houseplants, cyclamen prefer cooler conditions. Excessive indoor heat can shorten flowering and cause the leaves to yellow.
They grow best in bright, indirect light with well-drained potting mix kept lightly moist during active growth.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Common in cultivated florist cyclamen |
| Growing conditions | Cool temperatures; bright, indirect light; well-drained potting mix |
| Best suited for | Cool indoor rooms, windowsills, and protected containers |
Gardener’s Tip: Avoid pouring water directly onto the crown or tuber. Cyclamen are toxic if ingested, particularly their tubers, so keep them away from pets.
11. Winter Heath — Erica carnea
Who says winter gardens can’t have beautiful carpets of color?
Winter heath is a low-growing evergreen shrub that produces masses of tiny, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white.
Native to mountainous regions of Europe, Erica carnea is particularly valued for its ability to flower during the colder months.
Depending on the cultivar and local climate, flowering may begin in December and continue through late winter or early spring. In colder regions, the main display often appears later.
Its dense growth and fine, needle-like foliage make winter heath an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, and the front of flower borders.
Winter heath prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Unlike many other heathers, it can tolerate some alkaline soils.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Possible in mild winters and with early-flowering cultivars |
| Growing conditions | Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil |
| Best suited for | Rock gardens, ground cover, and winter borders |
Gardener’s Tip: Plant several winter heath cultivars with different flowering periods to extend the display from early winter into spring.
12. Early-flowering Snowdrops — Selected Galanthus Species and Cultivars
Few flowers are as closely associated with the arrival of winter’s earliest blooms as delicate snowdrops.
These charming bulbous perennials produce small, nodding white flowers that resemble tiny bells hanging above narrow green leaves.
Native to parts of Europe and western Asia, snowdrops are admired for their ability to emerge during cold weather, sometimes appearing while snow is still on the ground.
Although most familiar snowdrops flower from January into early spring, certain exceptionally early-flowering species and cultivars can produce blooms in December in mild climates.
Snowdrops prefer moist but well-drained soil and partial shade, particularly beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.
Once established, suitable varieties can gradually form attractive colonies.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| December flowering | Limited to selected early-flowering species and cultivars in suitable climates |
| Growing conditions | Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil |
| Best suited for | Woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and shaded borders |
Gardener’s Tip: Choose snowdrop species or cultivars known for exceptionally early flowering. Most common snowdrops bloom later in winter, so check the expected flowering period before planting.
Quick Reference: Where December Flowers Bloom
| Flower | Main December Growing Context | December Blooming Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Rose | Northern Hemisphere | Can flower in December in suitable climates |
| Winter Camellia | Northern Hemisphere | Some cultivars continue flowering into December |
| Winter Jasmine | Northern Hemisphere | May begin flowering in December in mild climates |
| Christmas Bush | Southern Hemisphere | Colorful sepals are prominent around Christmas |
| Christmas Bells | Southern Hemisphere | Some species flower during the Australian summer |
| Agapanthus | Southern Hemisphere | Summer-flowering varieties may bloom in December |
| Poinsettia | Tropical regions; indoor cultivation elsewhere | Short-day flowering; colorful bracts |
| Christmas Cactus | Indoor cultivation | Many cultivated varieties flower around the holidays |
| Paperwhite Narcissus | Indoor cultivation; mild climates | Bulbs can be brought into flower for December |
| Cyclamen | Indoor cultivation; mild climates | Florist varieties commonly flower in winter |
| Winter Heath | Northern Hemisphere | Early cultivars may begin flowering in December |
| Early Snowdrops | Northern Hemisphere | December blooms limited to exceptionally early selections |
Note: Flowering periods vary by species, cultivar, location, and weather. Indoor plants may be grown under controlled conditions to produce December blooms.
December Flowers in the Northern Hemisphere
December brings shorter days and colder temperatures across much of the Northern Hemisphere. While many garden plants enter dormancy, certain cold-hardy flowers continue blooming, and popular seasonal houseplants bring color indoors.
The key is choosing flowers suited to your winter conditions.
| Flower | December Growing Situation | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Rose | Outdoor flowering in suitable cool climates | Woodland borders |
| Winter Camellia | Outdoor flowering in sheltered, relatively mild climates | Evergreen garden shrubs |
| Winter Jasmine | Outdoor flowering in suitable winter conditions | Walls and garden borders |
| Winter Heath | Early flowering possible in mild winters | Ground cover and rock gardens |
| Poinsettia | Primarily grown indoors in cold climates | Holiday decorations |
| Paperwhite Narcissus | Commonly grown indoors for winter blooms | Indoor containers |
| Cyclamen | Florist varieties bloom indoors in cool conditions | Windowsills and indoor displays |
| Christmas Cactus | Indoor flowering during the holiday season | Hanging baskets and containers |
Gardener’s Tip: Outdoor winter flowering depends on local temperatures and plant hardiness. In colder regions, indoor flowering plants may provide more reliable December color than outdoor varieties.
December Flowers in the Southern Hemisphere
While much of the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter, December marks the beginning of summer in countries such as Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
Longer days and warmer temperatures create favorable growing conditions for many summer-flowering plants, including several that reach their peak during December.
| Flower | December Flowering | Where It Is Commonly Grown |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Bells (Blandfordia spp.) | Summer flowering, often December–January | Australia |
| Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) | Pale flowers and colorful red sepals during the late spring–summer period | Australia |
| Agapanthus (Agapanthus hybrids) | Summer flowering in suitable climates | South Africa, Australia, New Zealand |
| Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) | Late spring to early summer flowering, depending on location | Australia, South Africa, South America |
| Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) | Summer flowering in suitable climates | Australia, New Zealand, South Africa |
| Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) | Flowering can occur during December in warm conditions | Tropical and subtropical regions |
Gardener’s Tip: December flowering varies with location, rainfall, elevation, and seasonal temperatures. A plant blooming in Sydney may flower at a different time in Cape Town or Buenos Aires.
Tropical Flowers That Bloom During December
December doesn’t always mean winter or summer flowering. In tropical regions, seasonal rainfall, sunlight, and temperature can influence when plants produce their colorful blooms.
Some tropical flowers bloom repeatedly throughout the year, while others have more distinct flowering periods.
| Tropical Flower | Botanical Name | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bird of Paradise | Strelitzia reginae | Orange and blue flowers resembling tropical birds |
| Heliconia | Heliconia spp. | Colorful, waxy bracts surrounding small flowers |
| Anthurium | Anthurium andraeanum hybrids | Glossy, heart-shaped spathes and distinctive flower spikes |
| Moth Orchid | Phalaenopsis hybrids | Long-lasting flowers in numerous colors |
| Red Ginger | Alpinia purpurata | Tall stems with striking red or pink bracts |
| Bougainvillea | Bougainvillea spp. | Brilliant papery bracts surrounding small flowers |
Gardener’s Tip: Not all tropical flowers bloom continuously. Flowering depends on the species, local wet and dry seasons, and growing conditions. Plants cultivated in greenhouses may also flower outside their natural seasonal cycles.
How Climate Influences Flowering Seasons
Have you ever wondered why a Christmas rose might bloom in December while a sunflower waits for summer?
The answer lies partly in how plants respond to environmental changes.
The timing of flowering is influenced by several factors, including temperature, daylight, rainfall, and the natural growing cycle of each species.
1. Temperature
Temperature plays an important role in flower development. Some plants require a period of cool weather before flowering, while tropical species generally need warmer conditions.
Unseasonably warm or cold weather can also change when flowers appear.
2. Day Length and Night Length
Some flowering plants respond to the length of uninterrupted darkness or daylight.
For example, poinsettias and many holiday cactus varieties respond to seasonal changes in night length, although temperature and other growing conditions also influence flowering.
Other plants are less sensitive to day length.
3. Dormancy and Seasonal Rest
Certain flowering plants experience periods of reduced growth or dormancy.
Some bulbs and perennials require exposure to cool temperatures before resuming growth and flowering.
However, not every flowering plant requires a dormant period.
4. Rainfall and Moisture Availability
In tropical and subtropical regions, seasonal rainfall can be more important than winter temperatures.
Some plants begin flowering after the arrival of seasonal rains, while others respond to a preceding dry period.
5. Unusual Weather and Flowering Changes
Unexpected temperature changes can occasionally encourage plants to flower earlier or later than usual.
These changes may affect the availability of flowers for pollinators. However, the ecological consequences depend on the plant species, pollinator activity, and the timing of other seasonal events.
Gardener’s Tip: Understanding your local climate and the natural flowering cycle of your plants is more useful than relying on calendar months alone.
Final Sprouts of Wisdom
December may mean snow-covered gardens in one part of the world and sunshine-filled flower beds in another, but beautiful blooms can be found in both!
From delicate Christmas roses and winter jasmine to Australia’s colorful Christmas bells and spectacular tropical flowers, December reminds us that flowering seasons are wonderfully diverse.
Whether you’re decorating your home for the holidays or planning a garden that celebrates the changing seasons, understanding your local climate is the key to choosing flowers that thrive.
And remember, while December brings many gardens into their winter rest, somewhere else in the world, another garden is just beginning to bloom!
Sources and Further Reading
Royal Horticultural Society — Plants for Winter Interest
Australian Native Plants Society — Blandfordia grandiflora
Royal Horticultural Society — Autumn and Winter-Flowering Camellias
Australian Native Plants Society — Ceratopetalum gummiferum
Clemson Cooperative Extension — Forcing Bulbs Indoors
Royal Horticultural Society — Bulbs for Christmas Flowering
Penn State Extension — Timepieces in Our Plants
University of Illinois Extension — What Makes Plants Bloom at Different Times of the Year?
all images from Canva