For a gardener, nothing can be more fulfilling than the ability to nurture blooms in time for the holidays. Having winter flowers Christmas ensures the best possible quality and price for your décor, but more importantly, it adds a sense of home, really, with beauty grown by you. Winter gardening has its challenges, but some wonderful flowers and plants can be grown indoors or can be forced in such a way as to bloom just when you want them. Here are five great flowers to grow for an extremely personal and festive Christmas celebration!

1. Euphorbia pulcherrima

Poinsettia is the plant most associated with Christmas. People often buy them already in bloom, but it is a most satisfying experience to grow a Poinsettia from cuttings or keep it from the previous year. The key is providing at least 12 to 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness every night, starting around late September, until the colored bracts develop-in most cases, early December, to induce blooming. This is photoperiod manipulation, a must for growing winter flowers, Poinsettias.

2. Amaryllis

Incredibly dramatic trumpet-shaped blooms emerge from the bulb of the Amaryllis plant. Six to eight weeks prior to the anticipated bloom date (generally in late October or early November before Christmas), plant the bulb for it to bloom on time. The bulb should be planted in rich soil, but must not cover the top third. Use those beautiful red or white flowers for impressive homemade centerpieces. For the time when you want these spectacular flowers sent as gifts, you can use reliable services for Christmas flower delivery in Northeast Philadelphia.

3. Paperwhites (Narcissus)

Paperwhites are considered to be the easiest and most fragrant bulbs that can be grown under force indoors. Moreover, they are among the healthiest beings that do not require other chilling conditions for them to thrive. To grow this bulb, just set its bulbs in a shallow dish, along with pebbles and water, and it will eventually sprout and blossom about four to six weeks later. This gorgeous flower has white, delicate blossoms and sweet scents, bringing additional beauty to any windowsill. They are among the best among seasonal blooms in terms of fragrance.

4. Hellebore (Christmas Rose)

Also known as Christmas Rose, the Hellebore can be considered to be one of the cherished plants for its ability to produce flowers even when the weather is at its coldest. Most of the time, hellebores are typically grown outdoors; however, some may be grown in pots and placed temporarily indoors during the holidays for a marvelous centerpiece. With their elegant white or pink blooms, these plants offer something unique to your display. For expert local advice on which varieties thrive in containers, a dedicated northeast Philadelphia florist is a valuable resource.

5. Cyclamen

Like many flowering plants associated with Christmas, the Cyclamen also has scarlet, pink, or white flowers with variegated leaves. It may thrive well under winter temperature conditions typical in a home and often gives one's decorations a joyful note. This plant is thereby also regarded as an excellent example of Christmas garden flowers potted. If you are also in the market for locally sourced plants and flowers to supplement your homegrown efforts, a dedicated shop like the flower shop in Philadelphia, PA, can provide all the necessary supplies and pre-grown options.

Source Supplies and Boost Creativity

Composting your flowers is a lot of work, but it is so rewarding. Specialty bulbs, unique gardening tools, and even some unique finishing touches-little things like dried herbs or small edible floral accents-are all places to look for supplies. A great local resource specializes in both floral and edible arrangements, such as Philly Flowers and Edibles.

Growing your own best holiday flowers makes for a more personal Christmas; for instance, the dramatic Amaryllis or the all-time favorite Poinsettia. By understanding those few needs of these top five flowering varieties, you make sure that your home is filled with fresh, beautiful color, both as a hallmark of your own green thumb.