What’s in Bloom? December at RBG

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November 27, 2024

What Blooms in December?

Note: this is a general guide of what typically blooms this month at RBG. Bloom periods may vary by up to 2 weeks. For the best view of what’s blooming right now at RBG, see the current photos on RBG’s Instagram, or find the “Bloom Watch” section on the What’s in Bloom page.

Escape winter weather and keep the green thumb satisfied with a stroll through RBG Centre! Don’t miss the seasonal Breezeway display, the Orchid Case, and the Cacti and Succulent Collection. Winter is citrus season in the Mediterranean Garden, keep an eye (and nose) out for the flowering blossoms and growing fruit!

  • Fuchsia christmas cactus
  • citrus tree full of ripening calamondin oranges

Pictured, left to right: Jade, Poinsettia, Christmas cactus, Citrus tree

Enjoy a winter walk through Hendrie Park or the Rock Garden! Get some “winter interest” garden inspiration, and appreciate conifer displays, berry-producing shrubs, and the many textures of deciduous tree bark.

Plant life slumbers but the nature sanctuaries are still full of life and interest. Find animal tracks in the snow, explore Indigenous plant use, and spot raptors and arctic waterbirds. Witch-hazel, a native forest understory shrub species is among the most common species in the oak dominated forests of RBG’s nature sanctuaries with the yellow flowers quite distinctive against the forest setting.

Laking Garden is now closed.

  • A serene winter garden scene with a small metal bridge spanning a partially frozen pond. Snow lightly dusts the rocks, plants, and ground. Golden ornamental grasses and evergreen trees add texture, while bare branches hint at the season. Red roses peek through the foreground.
  • Dried Hydrangea With Snow
  • close up of bright yellow witch hazel flower

Pictured, left to right: Lower Rock Garden, dried Hydrangea, Holly, Witch-hazel

December Favourites

A festive display featuring large, white jingle bells with star cutouts hanging above vibrant red and cream poinsettias, surrounded by lush greenery and twinkling decorative elements in a greenhouse setting.

Winter Breezeway Display

Our talented gardeners change the space with a variety of themes each year, culminating in a holiday season show of poinsettia and winter greens.

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A vibrant indoor garden scene featuring a stone fountain surrounded by lush tropical plants. Bright yellow calla lilies, colorful croton leaves, and various green foliage add bursts of color. A white deer sculpture is visible in the background, under a glass greenhouse ceiling.

Rejuvenated Mediterranean Garden

This indoor garden blooms through the winter, creating an ideal escape from the cold.

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frozen bay of Cootes Paradise

Winter Hiking

Explore RBG’s Nature Sanctuaries with 27km of hiking trails through Hamilton and Burlington!

On the Trails

Plants of Interest in December at RBG

  • Poinsettia
  • Holly
  • Witch Hazel
  • Jade (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Citrus trees (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Christmas cactus (Mediterranean Garden)

Blooms by Season

Plants of interest are ever-changing in RBG’s five cultivated garden areas and nature sanctuaries. Learn what’s blooming now or see the blooms calendar for a rough estimation of what to expect each season.

Learn More