Guide to Chinese New Year Flowers and Plants

During Chinese New Year, specific flowers and plants hold prominent places in Chinese homes and businesses, each carrying unique symbolic meanings and blessings. This guide details the varieties, significance, and care methods for all traditional New Year flowers and plants.

Peach Blossoms (桃花)

Peach blossoms are the most iconic New Year flower in Guangdong and Hong Kong, symbolizing love, marriage, longevity, and protection from evil spirits.

Main Varieties

Ornamental Peach (碧桃) Full blooms available in single and double-petal varieties. Colors range from pale pink to deep red. Double-petal varieties have larger, longer-lasting flowers and are especially popular. Bloom period lasts 2-3 weeks.

Longevity Peach (壽星桃) Dwarf variety suitable for potting. Dense pink flowers with compact tree form. Symbolizes longevity, particularly appropriate as gifts for elders.

Red Ornamental Peach (紅碧桃) Deep red double-petaled flowers with vibrant festive colors. One of the most popular commercial varieties.

White Ornamental Peach (白碧桃) Pure white flowers symbolizing purity and new beginnings. Less popular than red varieties but increasingly common in modern arrangements.

Variegated Peach (灑金碧桃) Red and white flowers on the same branch, highly ornamental, symbolizing diverse good fortune.

Selection and Care

Purchase tips: Choose branches with plump buds that are slightly opening. Avoid fully opened blooms as they’ll have shorter display life. Check that branches are fresh with cuts that aren’t blackened.

Care methods:

• Cut stems at an angle to increase water absorption
• Place in cool location (15-20°C), away from direct heating
• Change water every 2-3 days and re-trim cuts
• Mist moderately to maintain humidity
• Avoid direct sunlight to extend bloom period

Display placement: Usually placed in prominent positions in living rooms or entryways. Some families hang red envelopes or decorations on branches to enhance festive atmosphere.

Narcissus (水仙花)

Narcissus is an essential traditional Chinese New Year flower, especially popular in Fujian, Chaoshan, and Taiwan regions. It symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and the New Year’s arrival.

Variety Types

Zhangzhou Narcissus (Chinese Narcissus, 漳州水仙) Traditional Chinese variety with pure white petals and yellow center, strong fragrance. The most authentic New Year narcissus, known as “Fairy of the Rippling Waves.”

Single-Petal Narcissus Six petals with golden-yellow corona in center. Simple, elegant flower form with fresh fragrance.

Double-Petal Narcissus (玉玲瓏) Layered petals in all white or yellow-white combination. Fuller flower form but slightly less fragrant than single-petal varieties.

Chongming Narcissus Specialty from Chongming Island, Shanghai. Large bulbs, abundant flowers, strong fragrance.

Cultivation Methods

Water Culture (Most Common):

• Place bulbs in shallow dish or specialized narcissus bowl
• Add water to bulb base, don’t submerge entire bulb
• Keep in cool place for 3-5 days to promote rooting
• Then move to well-lit location
• Change water every 2-3 days
• Takes approximately 25-35 days from planting to flowering

Carved Styling: Traditional technique where bulbs are carved to control growth direction, creating artistic forms like “Crab Claw Narcissus” or “Brush Stand Narcissus.” Requires professional skill.

Bloom Timing Control:

• Temperature control: cooler environment (10-15°C) slows growth, warmer (20-25°C) accelerates it
• If growing too fast, add ice cubes to water
• If too slow, increase temperature and light

Care Notes:

• Maintain adequate light or leaves will become leggy
• Move to cooler location at night to slow growth
• Place in cool spot after blooming to extend flower life
• Bulbs are typically discarded after flowering, not reused

Pussy Willow (銀柳)

Pussy willow is named for its silvery-white flower buds. In Cantonese, “silver willow” (銀柳) sounds like “silver stay” (銀留), symbolizing wealth retention, making it especially popular in Guangdong.

Variety Characteristics

Traditional Pussy Willow Buds initially appear silvery-white, covered with soft fuzz. Over time, buds gradually open into yellow catkin flowers.

Dyed Pussy Willow Merchants dye pussy willows in festive colors like red, gold, and pink. Red and gold are most popular, symbolizing good fortune and wealth.

Combination Arrangements Combined with other dried flowers and decorations in vases or bouquets to increase ornamental value.

Care Methods

Dry Display (Recommended):

• Insert directly into vase without water
• Maintains silvery fuzzy texture
• Can be preserved for months or even a full year
• Suitable for long-term decoration

Water Display:

• Pussy willows will root and sprout when placed in water
• Buds will open into yellow catkins
• Eventually grows green leaves
• Though vital, loses the silvery-white ornamental effect

Display Suggestions:

• Usually displayed in pairs, symbolizing “good things come in pairs”
• Often combined with kumquat trees, orchids, etc.
• Can hang red envelopes, Chinese knots, and other decorations on branches

Gladiolus (劍蘭)

Gladiolus is named for its sword-shaped leaves and upward-growing flower spikes, symbolizing advancement, longevity, and protection.

Main Varieties

Large-Flowered Gladiolus Large blooms (10-15cm), long spikes, available in red, pink, yellow, white, purple, and more. Most common commercial variety.

Red Gladiolus Bright or deep red, most popular New Year color, symbolizing passion and good fortune.

Yellow Gladiolus Golden or bright yellow, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

Pink Gladiolus Soft and romantic, suitable for home arrangements.

Multicolored Varieties

• Bicolor gladiolus: petal edges in contrasting colors
• Gradient gladiolus: deep to light color transitions
• Spotted or striped varieties

Small-Flowered Gladiolus (Butterfly Gladiolus) Smaller but more delicate flowers, more graceful spikes, suitable for floral art.

Cut Flower Care

• Cut stem at angle 2-3cm from bottom
• Remove leaves below waterline
• Use clean vase with fresh water
• Change water and trim stems every 2-3 days
• Adding flower preservative can extend vase life
• As flowers open, remove withered lower blooms
• Avoid direct sunlight and proximity to fruit (ethylene gas)
• Bloom period approximately 7-14 days

Purchase Advice: Choose stems with 2-3 lower flowers open and multiple buds above for longest enjoyment period.

Chrysanthemums (菊花)

In Chinese culture, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity, nobility, and resilience. During New Year, brightly colored varieties are typically chosen.

Common New Year Varieties

Ping Pong Chrysanthemums Round, full blooms like ping pong balls. Available in yellow, white, green, pink, etc. Cute shape, deeply loved. Yellow ping pong mums symbolize completeness and wealth.

Single-Head Chrysanthemums (Standard Mums) One large flower per stem (10-15cm). Multiple flower forms:

• Flat-petaled: petals spread flat
• Spoon-petaled: petal tips spoon-shaped
• Tube-petaled: petals rolled into tubes

Multi-Head Chrysanthemums (Spray Mums) Multiple small flowers per stem, clustered blooms. Suitable for large arrangements.

Prosperity Chrysanthemums Specifically refers to brightly colored, full-flowered chrysanthemum varieties, usually red, yellow, or orange.

Color Choices:

• Yellow: Most popular, symbolizes wealth and imperial elegance
• Red: Auspicious and festive
• Orange: Warm and energetic
• Pink: Cozy and romantic
• White: Pure, but traditionally less used for New Year (associated with funerals)

Potted and Cut Flower Care

Potted Chrysanthemums:

• Place in well-lit location
• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
• Avoid direct heating
• Apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizer during blooming to extend flower life
• Can continue care after flowering for next year’s blooms

Cut Chrysanthemums:

• Among the longest-lasting cut flowers (2-3 weeks)
• Cut stems at angle, remove underwater leaves
• Change water every 3-4 days
• Can use preservative
• Avoid ethylene gas sources

Kumquat Trees (年桔)

Kumquat trees are among the most symbolic New Year plants. “Kumquat” (桔) sounds like “auspicious” (吉), and golden fruit symbolizes wealth.

Main Varieties

Four Seasons Kumquat (四季桔) Most common New Year kumquat variety. Small, round, orange-red fruit, bears fruit year-round. Compact tree form, suitable for potting. Abundant fruit symbolizes harvest.

Golden Kumquat (金桔) Oval fruit, golden-yellow, slightly larger than four seasons kumquat. Thin edible skin, sweeter. Both ornamental and edible.

Golden Bean (金豆) Extremely small fruit, bean-sized, golden-yellow. Dense fruiting, tree full of golden beans highly ornamental.

Four Seasons Mandarin (四季柑, Large Year Kumquat) Larger fruit, orange-yellow. Larger tree form, suitable for large spaces or commercial venues.

Seville Orange (代代橘) Fruit remains on tree after ripening, can stay for multiple years. Symbolizes generation-to-generation prosperity. Less common but highly meaningful.

Selection and Care

Purchase Tips:

• Choose trees with many fruits, evenly distributed
• Fruits should be bright colored, firm, not soft or spotted
• Leaves should be dark green, glossy
• Check for pests under leaves
• Buy 2-3 weeks before New Year for best display timing

Care During Festival:

• Place in bright location, at least 4-6 hours daily light
• Water when soil surface dries, don’t overwater
• Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Don’t fertilize during fruiting period
• Maintain moderate humidity
• Can mist leaves but avoid wetting fruit
• Fruits can stay on tree for 2-3 months

Post-Festival Care:

• Continue regular watering and fertilizing
• Prune after fruiting to maintain shape
• Repot every 2-3 years
• Can fruit again with proper care

Decorative Additions: Trees often decorated with red ribbons, gold ornaments, red envelopes, or small lanterns to enhance festive atmosphere.

Plum Blossoms (梅花)

Plum blossoms are one of the “Four Gentlemen” in Chinese culture, symbolizing resilience, purity, and the promise of spring. They bloom in winter, making them perfect for New Year.

Main Varieties

Red Plum (紅梅) Deep red to pink-red flowers, single or semi-double petals. Most festive and popular for New Year. Symbolizes vitality and good fortune.

Green Calyx Plum (綠萼梅) White petals with green calyx. Elegant and refined. Symbolizes purity and nobility.

Cinnabar Plum (朱砂梅) Distinctive purple-red stems and deep red flowers. Very ornamental, represents perseverance.

Apricot Plum (杏梅) Pale pink to white flowers, resembles apricot blossoms. Delicate fragrance, elegant appearance.

Weeping Plum (垂枝梅) Drooping branches create waterfall effect when in bloom. Dramatic display piece.

Care for Cut Branches

• Crush stem ends or cut at severe angle
• Place in cool water immediately
• Change water every 2-3 days
• Keep in cool location (10-15°C)
• Mist branches to maintain humidity
• Can last 2-3 weeks with proper care
• Traditional technique: lightly hammer stem ends to increase water absorption

Cultural Significance: Plum blossoms are highly respected in Chinese culture. Displaying them during New Year represents overcoming adversity and welcoming spring’s renewal.

Hyacinths (風信子)

While not traditionally Chinese, hyacinths have become popular New Year flowers due to their vibrant colors, strong fragrance, and ease of cultivation.

Popular Colors and Meanings

Red/Pink: Love, romance, passion Yellow/Orange: Happiness, brightness, prosperity Purple: Royalty, nobility, admiration White: Purity, innocence, prayer Blue: Constancy, sincerity (less common for New Year)

Cultivation Methods

Water Culture:

• Use specialized hyacinth vase or glass container
• Water should just touch bulb base, not submerge it
• Place in dark location for 2-3 weeks until roots develop
• Move to bright location once shoots appear
• Change water weekly
• Blooms in 8-12 weeks from planting

Soil Planting:

• Use well-draining potting mix
• Plant with top third of bulb above soil
• Water moderately
• Place in cool location initially, then move to light
• Blooms slightly faster than water culture

Care Tips:

• Provide adequate light after shoots emerge
• Keep at cool temperature (15-18°C) for longer bloom period
• Support flower spike if it becomes top-heavy
• Strong fragrance can be overwhelming in small spaces
• After flowering, bulbs can be planted outdoors but rarely rebloom well indoors

Lucky Bamboo (富貴竹 / 開運竹)

Despite its name, lucky bamboo is actually Dracaena sanderiana, not true bamboo. It symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and resilience.

Arrangement Styles

Straight Stalks Vertical arrangements in various heights. Number of stalks carries meaning:

• 3 stalks: happiness, wealth, longevity
• 5 stalks: balance, peace, wealth
• 6 stalks: prosperity, wealth
• 7 stalks: health
• 8 stalks: growth, prosperity (8 is lucky number)
• 9 stalks: great fortune
• 21 stalks: powerful blessing

Spiral/Curved Bamboo Trained into decorative spirals or curves. More expensive but highly ornamental.

Braided Lucky Bamboo Multiple stalks braided together. Represents unity and strength.

Tower Arrangements Tiered arrangements creating pagoda-like structures. Symbolizes rising fortune.

Care Instructions

Water Culture (Most Common):

• Use distilled or filtered water (tap water chlorine can cause yellowing)
• Change water every 1-2 weeks
• Water level should cover roots by 2-3cm
• Can add liquid fertilizer monthly (very diluted)
• Clean container when changing water

Soil Planting:

• Use well-draining potting mix
• Keep soil consistently moist
• Better long-term growth than water culture
• Fertilize during growing season

General Care:

• Bright, indirect light (direct sun causes leaf burn)
• Average room temperature (18-25°C)
• Avoid cold drafts
• Trim yellowing leaves
• If stems yellow, they usually cannot recover
• Rotate occasionally for even growth

Display Tips: Often placed in red containers or with red ribbons tied around stalks to enhance auspicious symbolism.

Anthurium (紅掌 / 火鶴花)

Anthuriums have become popular New Year plants due to their long-lasting, vibrant red “flowers” (actually modified leaves called spathes) and heart shape, symbolizing prosperity and passionate fortune.

Varieties

Red Anthurium Classic bright red, most popular for New Year. Symbolizes good fortune and passion.

Pink Anthurium Softer, romantic option for home settings.

White Anthurium Modern, elegant choice, less traditional but increasingly popular.

Orange Anthurium Warm, energetic alternative to red.

Dwarf Varieties Compact plants suitable for smaller spaces, typically 20-30cm tall.

Large-Flowered Varieties Premium plants with spathes up to 15-20cm across.

Care Requirements

Light: Bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun causes leaf burn.

Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when top 2cm of soil is dry. Reduce watering slightly in winter.

Humidity: Prefer 60-80% humidity. Mist regularly or use humidity tray.

Temperature: Optimal 20-28°C. Avoid below 15°C.

Fertilizing: Monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season.

Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter. Orchid bark mixed with potting soil works well.

Common Issues:

• Brown leaf tips: low humidity or salt buildup
• Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage
• No flowers: insufficient light or nutrients

Longevity: Each “flower” can last 2-3 months. With proper care, plants produce new blooms year-round, making them excellent long-term investments.

Azaleas (杜鵑花)

Azaleas are popular New Year flowering plants, especially in northern China, symbolizing abundance and the beauty of spring.

Popular Varieties

Belgian Azaleas (西洋杜鵑) Large, showy double flowers. Available in red, pink, white, and variegated. Most common indoor variety for New Year.

Chinese Azaleas (東鵑) Traditional Chinese varieties with smaller but abundant flowers. More cold-hardy than Belgian types.

Color Selection:

• Deep red: Most festive, symbolizes prosperity
• Pink: Delicate, romantic
• White: Pure, elegant
• Variegated: Red and white combinations, very ornamental

Care During Festival

Light: Bright, indirect light. East-facing window ideal.

Temperature: Cool temperatures (15-18°C) extend bloom period. Avoid temperatures above 21°C.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist. Azaleas are sensitive to drying out. Use room-temperature water.

Humidity: High humidity preferred. Place on pebble tray or mist regularly.

Post-Bloom Care:

• Remove spent flowers promptly
• Fertilize after flowering
• Can be planted outdoors in suitable climates
• Prune to maintain shape

Important Notes:

• Azaleas are sensitive to water quality; use filtered or rainwater if possible
• Never let soil completely dry out
• All parts are toxic to pets

Bromeliad (鴻運當頭 / 鳳梨花)

Bromeliads, especially the red-topped varieties, are called “Hong Yun Dang Tou” (鴻運當頭) in Chinese, literally meaning “great fortune overhead.” Their vibrant, long-lasting blooms make them popular New Year gifts.

Common Varieties

Guzmania Most popular for New Year with bright red, orange, yellow, or pink bracts. Star-shaped flower arrangement atop central rosette.

Vriesea (Flaming Sword) Tall, sword-like red or yellow flower spike. Very dramatic.

Neoregelia Center of plant turns brilliant red or pink. More compact than Guzmania.

Aechmea Pink or red bracts with blue or purple flowers. Unique appearance.

Care Instructions

Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct morning sun.

Watering:

• Keep central “cup” filled with water
• Change water in cup weekly
• Water soil when top layer dries
• Use rainwater or distilled water if possible

Temperature: 18-27°C ideal. Don’t expose to temperatures below 10°C.

Humidity: Prefer high humidity (50-60%). Mist occasionally.

Fertilizing: Very light feeding, quarter-strength liquid fertilizer monthly in central cup.

Bloom Duration: Bracts can last 3-6 months, making them excellent value.

After Blooming:

• Mother plant will eventually die after flowering
• Produces offsets (pups) at base
• These can be separated and grown into new plants

Display Tips: Often presented in decorative red or gold containers to enhance auspicious symbolism.

Camellia (茶花 / 山茶花)

Camellias are elegant winter-blooming flowers symbolizing love, admiration, and perfection. Their glossy leaves and perfect blooms represent enduring beauty.

Varieties for New Year

Formal Double Perfectly symmetrical, fully double blooms with overlapping petals arranged in layers. Most formal and elegant.

Semi-Double Multiple rows of petals with visible stamens in center. Balance between fullness and naturalness.

Peony Form Loose, irregular petals resembling peonies. Very full and romantic.

Red Varieties Most popular for New Year:

• ‘Desire’: Deep red, peony form
• ‘Kramer’s Supreme’: Turkey red, peony form
• ‘Adolphe Audusson’: Blood red, semi-double

Pink Varieties

• ‘Debutante’: Light pink, peony form
• ‘Elegans’: Deep pink, anemone form

Variegated Red and white combinations, very ornamental and representing harmony.

Care Guidelines

Temperature: Prefer cool conditions (10-15°C). Warm indoor temperatures can cause bud drop.

Light: Bright, indirect light. Morning sun acceptable.

Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Never let dry out completely or become waterlogged.

Humidity: Moderate to high. Mist foliage but not flowers.

Bud Drop Prevention:

• Maintain consistent temperature
• Avoid moving plant once buds form
• Ensure adequate humidity
• Don’t let soil dry out

Longevity: Individual flowers last 1-2 weeks. Total bloom period several weeks to months depending on variety.

Pussy Willow (Salix discolor) vs. Silver Brunia

Note: “银柳” (Silver Willow) in Chinese markets may refer to either true pussy willow (Salix) or Silver Brunia, a South African plant with silvery spherical blooms.

Silver Brunia (真銀柳)

Appearance: Small silver-grey spherical flowers clustered on branches. More uniform and decorative than traditional pussy willow.

Advantages:

• Longer-lasting
• More consistent appearance
• Doesn’t need special treatment
• Retains color longer

Care:

• Dry display only (will not sprout)
• Can last entire year
• Avoid moisture
• Can be dyed various colors

Comparison

Traditional pussy willow has soft, fuzzy catkins that will sprout if placed in water. Silver Brunia maintains its dried form indefinitely. Both are called “银柳” and used interchangeably in New Year decorations.

General Tips for Chinese New Year Flower Display

Placement Principles

Entry/Foyer: Welcoming plants like kumquat trees or pussy willow to greet visitors with prosperity symbols.

Living Room: Showpiece arrangements like orchids, peach blossoms, or bromeliad displays.

Dining Area: Fresh flowers that won’t drop petals onto food – potted plants preferred.

Bedroom: Avoid heavily fragrant flowers (hyacinths, narcissus). Choose subtle options like orchids.

Office/Shop: Large, impressive displays like gladiolus arrangements or multiple kumquat trees.

Color Coordination

Traditional Palette:

• Red and gold: Primary auspicious colors
• Pink: Softer, romantic
• Yellow/orange: Wealth and happiness
• Purple: Nobility and spirituality

Modern Trends:

• All-white arrangements (increasingly accepted)
• Monochromatic groupings
• Mixed textures with dried elements

Pairing Suggestions

Classic Combinations:

• Peach blossoms + narcissus + pussy willow (southern tradition)
• Orchids + kumquat trees (elegant prosperity)
• Chrysanthemums + lucky bamboo (longevity and fortune)

Modern Combinations:

• Anthurium + bromeliads (tropical prosperity)
• Azaleas + hyacinths (spring abundance)
• Mixed orchid varieties in gradient colors

Sustainability and Longevity

Choose Wisely:

• Potted plants offer better value than cut flowers
• Select plants that can be maintained year-round
• Consider regifting or replanting after the festival

Extend Display Life:

• Follow specific care instructions for each variety
• Maintain consistent conditions
• Remove spent blooms promptly
• Rotate plants between rooms if needed for optimal conditions

After the Festival:

• Transition plants to regular care routines
• Plant outdoor-suitable varieties in gardens
• Share divisions or offsets with friends and family

Cultural Considerations

Numbers and Pairs

• Even numbers generally preferred (representing harmony)
• Avoid number 4 (sounds like “death”)
• Number 8 especially auspicious (sounds like “prosperity”)
• Pairs of plants represent completeness

Gift Giving

• Present with both hands to show respect
• Include red envelope if appropriate
• Avoid white flowers for traditional elders
• Include care instructions for recipients
• Consider recipient’s space and lifestyle

Regional Variations

Southern China (Guangdong, Hong Kong):

• Peach blossoms essential
• Pussy willow highly important
• Kumquat trees ubiquitous

Northern China:

• Narcissus less common
• Azaleas more popular
• Forced branches (plum, cherry) traditional

Taiwan:

• Narcissus cultivation an art form
• Orchids especially prized
• Tropical varieties more common

Southeast Asian Chinese Communities:

• Brighter, more tropical selections
• Anthuriums and bromeliads popular
• Larger, more elaborate displays

Chinese New Year flowers and plants represent centuries of cultural wisdom, connecting people to nature’s cycles and expressing hopes for the coming year. Whether choosing traditional peach blossoms or modern anthuriums, each plant carries blessings of prosperity, happiness, and renewal into your space and life.