Fertile Ground

7 Philippine Christmas Flowers to Brighten Your Holidays

In the Philippines, the holidays are never complete without colorful blooms that add warmth and cheer to people’s homes. Many Philippine Christmas flowers naturally thrive during the cooler months, while others have become staples in decor, church arrangements, and other festive displays. Here are 7 of them!

1. Poinsettia

Although originally grown in Central America, the poinsettia is widely grown in Benguet and other cool highland areas. This is also perhaps the most iconic among the Philippine Christmas flowers; once you see its bright red leaves, you know the holiday season has started!

A bed of poinsettia flowers. Source: theflowersxpressph

2. Sampaguita

We cannot forget our national flower! This is grown abundantly in lowland provinces, such as Laguna and Batangas. Its white, star-shaped blooms bring a sense of peace and purity, making it the base of garlands sold outside churches.

Sampaguita garlands are a staple in Catholic traditions. Source: jm_letada17 on Flickr

3. Rosal (Gardenia)

Commonly grown in Luzon, like in Quezon and Bicol, the gardenia adds an elegant scent to any home. In fact, it was declared the official flower in Dagupan City back in 2016! This is also a hit in December weddings, with red rosal present in rustic wreaths and classic decor.

Here is a floral arrangement using red gardenias. Source: Gardenia Flower Gallery on Facebook

4. Everlasting Flower (Strawflower)

Here is another Philippine Christmas flower grown up north (Baguio, Benguet, and nearby Cordillera areas). It keeps its shape and color for months, even when dried! That is why it is common in wreaths, bouquets, and holiday souvenirs.

What Everlastings look like up close. Source: Baguio City Public Information Office on Facebook

5. Anahaw Leaves

The anahaw thrives in forests across Luzon and Mindanao and is known for its large, fan-shaped leaves. So it is often used as a native and sustainable holiday decor, be it as a centerpiece, as a Christmas tree, or as the base material for the parol.

Dried anahaw leaves make up the base of this Christmas tree. Screengrab from Renil Ramas on Youtube

READ: The Evolution of the Parol: A Symbol of Filipino Christmas Spirit

6. Gumamela (Hibiscus)

Because this is tropical flora, you can find it in gardens all over the country. But while each bloom lasts only a day or two, new flowers appear year-round, making it the perfect plant for bouquets or Christmas wreaths.

What a red hibiscus looks like up close. Source: Shmily Digital Photography on Unsplash

7. Orchid

This flower is also widely grown across the country, especially in Mindanao. Species like the cymbidium and the sanggumay bloom in December, making them beautiful Christmas gifts or decor.

Makati Diamond Residences’ 2023 Christmas tree was made of 300 phalaenopsis plants. Source: Makati Diamond Residences on Facebook

These Philippine Christmas flowers show how rich and vibrant our local flora is. Because whether you use these as decorations, gifts, or home accents, these blooms bring a distinctly Filipino charm to the holidays.

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