What Are the Red Christmas Flowers Called? Holiday Symbolism & NYC Bouquets

Introduction: The Red Flowers That Define Christmas Spirit

Every December, one color takes over homes, storefronts, and city streets — the bold, unforgettable red of Christmas flowers. These blooms brighten winter windows, crown holiday tables, and appear in festive wreaths all across New York City. Many people find themselves asking the same seasonal question: what are the red Christmas flowers called?

At Black Petals, we celebrate two iconic holiday blooms — poinsettias and amaryllis. Both flowers carry deep meaning and add a warm, elegant touch to holiday celebrations, making them favorites for Manhattan homes and events alike.

What Are the Red Christmas Flowers Called?

The red flowers most associated with Christmas are poinsettias and amaryllis. Over the years, these vibrant blooms have become staples of holiday décor thanks to their bold color and rich symbolism tied to joy, love, and celebration.

Poinsettias — often referred to as the “Christmas Star” — are famous for their vivid red bracts that resemble petals. In contrast, amaryllis flowers stand out for their tall stems and trumpet-shaped blooms, bringing elegance and drama to festive arrangements.

Red Poinsettia Meaning: The Christmas Star

Poinsettias hold a special place in Christmas tradition. Their story begins in Mexico, where a humble gift of roadside weeds miraculously transformed into brilliant red blooms at a church altar — a legend that continues to inspire holiday symbolism. Today, poinsettias represent good cheer, blessings, and seasonal hope.

In Manhattan, these flowers fill winter window displays, decorate holiday markets, and grace family homes, spreading warmth even during the chilliest December days. Their unmistakable shape and vibrant color have made them a must-have for holiday celebrations.

Red Amaryllis Christmas Flowers: Bold Elegance for Winter

Amaryllis flowers bring a striking presence to holiday décor. With their towering stems and large, trumpet-like petals, they embody pride, strength, and radiant beauty. This makes them perfect for holiday gifts, corporate décor, and dramatic centerpieces at seasonal events.

For New Yorkers looking to elevate their holiday aesthetic, amaryllis arrangements offer a luxurious alternative to traditional poinsettias. Their elegance complements modern apartments, upscale parties, and chic holiday gatherings throughout the city.

Bright Red Flower Types That Define Christmas Décor

While poinsettias and amaryllis dominate holiday décor, other red flowers also create stunning seasonal displays:

• Red Roses add romance and timeless beauty, ideal for holiday proposals or intimate dinners.
  
  
• Red Carnations bring cheerful energy and long-lasting freshness, perfect for mixed festive arrangements.
  
  
• Red Tulips offer a sleek, modern look for winter weddings and contemporary holiday designs.
  

Combining these blooms with evergreen branches, pinecones, or gold accents creates arrangements that are festive yet refined — perfect for Manhattan’s holiday celebrations.

Christmas Red Flower Symbolism: More Than Color

Red at Christmas is more than a seasonal trend; it’s a symbol of love, warmth, and togetherness. During the holidays, red flowers represent family bonds, renewal for the coming year, and spiritual significance rooted in Christian tradition. They serve as reminders that the holiday season is as much about connection and gratitude as it is about celebration and décor.

Key Takeaways

• The most famous red Christmas flowers are poinsettias and amaryllis, with roses, carnations, and tulips also contributing to festive décor.
  
  
• Poinsettias symbolize blessings, good cheer, and holiday miracles.
  
  
• Amaryllis represents bold elegance, strength, and radiant beauty — perfect for luxurious holiday arrangements.
  
  
• Red flowers in general embody love, unity, and warmth, making them a meaningful choice for Christmas gifting and decorating.