Birth flower for December 12
Fringed cyclamen
Meaning: shyness, reserve
Cyclamen petals sweep upward like flames, which is why Japanese botanist Makino Tomitaro named it kagaribibana, bonfire flower. Fringed types came from long breeding that gave the petal edges fine ruffles and cuts, often trimmed in white, so every single bloom wears a slightly different frill. They are a winter favorite at flower markets.