December is when it gets really cold .
As Christmas approaches, more and more red and white flowers will be available in store.
Here are five recommended flowers to get you in the Christmas spirit !
Amaryllis

Japanese name : Jagatarasuisen
Family name : Amaryllidaceae
Genus name : Hippeastrum
Amaryllis is an impressive plant with large flowers that bloom at the end of long, slender stems.
The normal flowering season is from spring to early summer, but they are available in stores around Christmas time.
Amaryllis has 2 to 3 flowers per stem .
The appeal is that you can enjoy it for a long time, from bud to flowering.
By removing the flowers that have finished blooming , you can ensure that the plant blooms beautifully right down to the last flower.
The stems are thick and hollow, so care must be taken when handling them.
It is also recommended to use a knife instead of scissors to avoid crushing the stems.
When choosing in the store, choose ones with lots of buds and firmness.
If the flowers are left in a vase for too long, they will easily tip over due to their weight, so you should either cut them short to fit the length of the vase, or place them in a stable vase with a low center of gravity.
The tip of the stem may curl away, so it is a good idea to reinforce it with tape or something similar .
You can enjoy watching the buds gradually open into flowers.
Cotton flower

Japanese name : Menka
Family name : Malvaceae
Genus name : Gossypium
Cotton flowers have a soft and warm atmosphere.
The snow-white cotton is perfect for the Christmas season!
People sometimes ask if it's a flower, but it's not a flower; it's a ripe fruit that has burst open.
It came to be called "cotton" because of its flower-like shape .
This cotton can be spun into cotton thread!
This cotton can be spun into cotton thread!
The clothes we wear every day were originally shaped like this.
In addition to white, there is also a brown variety, which apparently turns into brown yarn when spun.
Most of the cotton flowers on display in stores are dried flowers!
Most of the cotton flowers on display in stores are dried flowers!
You can enjoy it by simply displaying it in a vase without adding water .
It also works great as a decoration for Christmas trees and wreaths!
Cut them from branches and decorate them with wire for a natural Christmas feel.
It would also be lovely to decorate a handmade wreath with them!

Another great thing about dried cotton flowers is that you can display them for a long time without worrying about them getting damaged.
Add some subtle Christmas cheer to your interior decor!
Flannel Flower

Japanese name: Flannel flower
Family name : Apiaceae
Genus name : Actinotus
Flannel flowers have a fluffy and gentle image.
The most attractive feature of flannel flowers is their texture!
From the petals to the leaves and stems, the plant is covered in fine hairs, giving it a soft, fluffy texture.
If you see it in a store, be sure to pick it up.
When choosing in the store, choose one that is soft but has firmness.
Because the water tends to drip out easily, it is recommended to drain the water and keep the vase short when displaying it at home.
By changing the water every day you can enjoy it for a long time!
poinsettia

Japanese name: Shojouboku
Family name : Euphorbiaceae
Genus name : Euphorbia
Poinsettia, a Christmas classic!
Its bright red color is eye-catching, and it is one of the flowers that many people choose as a winter gift.
What appears to be a bright red flower is actually a modified leaf called a bract .
The small yellow part in the center of the bract is the actual flower.
Most of the flowers on display in stores are potted plants, and it is rare to see them as cut flowers, so they are not seen very often.
They arrive from November to early December and brighten up the storefront.
Since it arrives during the cold season, you might think it would be cold-resistant, but it actually originates from a tropical country.
It is sensitive to cold and will weaken in environments below 10°C , so please keep it indoors.
When selecting in the store, choose ones with bright, undiscolored leaves and bracts, and flowers in the center that are still intact.
<Points to note when managing at home>
①Watering
Generally, water thoroughly when the surface of the soil is dry.
Be careful not to keep the soil constantly wet as this can cause root rot .
②Placement
In winter, keep it out of direct sunlight from indoor air conditioning. An ideal temperature range is 10℃ to 25℃ .
Poinsettias are often thought of as annuals.
In fact, if you take care of it, you can enjoy it again next year!
This would make a great gift for someone who enjoys taking care of flowers and has the time to do so.
cyclamen

Japanese name : Kagaribibana
Family name : Primulaceae
Genus name : Cyclamen
Along with poinsettias, cyclamens brighten up storefronts in winter.
New varieties are created every year, making this an attractive potted plant with flowers that have a variety of atmospheres.
Family name : Primulaceae
Genus name : Cyclamen
Along with poinsettias, cyclamens brighten up storefronts in winter.
New varieties are created every year, making this an attractive potted plant with flowers that have a variety of atmospheres.
This plant is also sensitive to cold and the optimum temperature is 10℃ to 15℃ , so it should be kept indoors.
If it is too warm, the plant will wither, so it is better to keep it in an entryway or similar location rather than an air-conditioned environment such as a living room.

Although it is the same cyclamen , the " garden cyclamen " is a cold-resistant variety that can be used outdoors and in gardens!

Although it is the same cyclamen , the " garden cyclamen " is a cold-resistant variety that can be used outdoors and in gardens!
Choose a variety that suits the space you want to display it in.
When choosing in the store, choose ones with firm petals and leaves and bright colors.
The number of flowers that bloom is proportional to the number of leaves, so plants with many leaves can produce many flowers.
Also, it is recommended to avoid plants that are wobbly at the base, as they are weak.
<Points to note when managing at home>
①Watering
When the surface of the soil dries and the leaves become slightly wilted, water thoroughly.
When doing so, be sure to water the base of the plant, taking care not to get water on the petals or leaves .
②Placement
Place it in a location that is not directly exposed to indoor air conditioning.
An ideal environment is 10℃ to 15℃ .
Garden cyclamen can be kept outdoors.
Cyclamens have a long flowering period and, if well cared for, will produce beautiful flowers all winter long.
Remove wilted flowers and leaves by hand, along with the stem, to encourage new flowers to bloom!
Author: Nakanishi Edited by: Yui and Sekido