Pretty, poise, and full of allure — paperwhites, also known as Narcissus papyraceus in the plant world, are simple to care for and fast to bloom. Though native to the Mediterranean, and warmer shores sweeping from Greece and Portugal to Morocco and Algeria, paperwhites have perhaps counter-intuitively become a staple bloom throughout the chillier months and holiday season. As their name suggests, paperwhites’ petals are white and bright as snow, bringing the romance of a snow-capped Christmas day inside your home.
Paperwhites’ popularity during the Christmas season is thanks to their ability to grow inside with relatively little fuss, making them one of the perfect indoor flowers to plant now in time for Christmas. As plant expert Tony O'Neill from Simplify Gardening tells us, “paperwhites are beautiful, fragrant flowering bulbs, often forced indoors during winter. Their clusters of small, white blooms make them a popular choice for Christmas displays, bringing a touch of elegance and a fresh scent to any indoor space. Paperwhites are also quite low-maintenance, making them a favorite for holiday decor.”
