December Flower: Facts, How to Grow and Maintain, Uses

Acanthaceae is a family of plants that includes the December flower (Barleria cristata), also known as the Philippine violet, bluebell Barleria, or crested Philippine violet. It is a winter bloomer and a traditional garden favourite. It is indigenous to a sizable region that stretches from Southern China to India and Myanmar.

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December flower is grown as an ornamental plant in towns and gardens, it has become naturalised in Hawaii, where it thrives in arid environments. The shrub grows as a ruderal species in roadside disturbed areas in Fiji, where it is known as “tombithi,” and on Christmas

Island (Indian Ocean), from near sea level to around 100 m. It is known as the December flower in South India since it blooms in December and is typically woven into floral garlands worn by women as a hair ornament.

December flower: Key facts

Scientific name	Barleria cristata
Common name	December flower, Philippine violet, bluebell Barleria, or crested Philippine violet
Plant type	Perennial
Family	Acanthaceae
Native	Southern China, India and Myanmar
Climate	Cold, below freezing
Sunlight	Direct
Watering	Moderate
Season	December

all about Blossom Flower

December flower: Physical description

It grows as a 60 –100 cm tall shrub.
On their upper surface, the leaves are a dark green colour, while on their underside, they are a lighter green colour.
They range from elliptic to narrowly oval. The funnel-shaped, violet, pink, or white flowers have a length of around 5 cm.
The fruits are ellipsoid capsules that are roughly 1.5 cm long.
In adulthood, they have glabrous and lustrous coats.
The December flower blooms while it is below freezing, giving the winter months a constant source of colour.

Source: Pinterest

December flower: How to grow

Take a nice, woody cutting from the bottom of a December bush if you see it growing wild by the roadside or in a neighbour’s yard.
When planting the cutting, make sure it has at least a few leaf nodes from which it can sprout new shoots.
Remove the plant’s leaves and bury at least one of the nodes before planting it in a sunny location.

If you’d prefer, you can plant your cutting in a sizable 20 cm pot as well.
Water it every day until delicate shoots start to emerge, then continue watering it every day until the shoots are at least 10-15 cm long.
After that, you can reduce your watering schedule to once every three days.
The December plant might not blossom for a few years, but eventually, it will adjust to its environment and begin to bloom in time with the other Decembers in your area.

Source: Pinterest

December flower: How to maintain

Once sensitive shoots start to appear, continue to water them daily until they are at least 10-15 cm long.
After that, you can reduce your watering to once every three days.
A continuous formation of the bush is required.
A radical trimming of the shoots is required right after flowering or in the early spring.
Leave twigs that are 10 to 15 cm long.
Do not constantly prune the plant.
The plant isn’t killed out by summer, though, because buds only develop on shoots from the current year and won’t have time to do so if they are constantly pruned.
A December shrub won’t need to be moved every year, which is a benefit.

December flower: Uses

Thailand’s traditional herbal medicine uses this plant.
It is claimed to have blood-purifying, tonic, and diuretic qualities.
Since it blooms in December, it is referred to as the December flower in South India, where it is frequently woven into flower garlands worn by women in their hair.

December flower: Toxicity

It is very poisonous and can be harmful if it is eaten.

FAQs

Do we have to replant the December flower every year?

Since December bushes are perennials, you don't need to plant new ones every year.

What is the initial watering procedure for December flowers?

Once sensitive shoots start to appear, continue to water them daily until they are at least 10-15 cm long.

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