Poinsettia, the Christmas Flower
We raise hundreds of poinsettias each year in our greenhouses. There are several varieties and colors: traditonal red, purple, ivory, and even marbled colors. We also offer larger planters filled with poinsettias. Many of our poinsettias are used to decorate local churches.
You may remember that the poinsettia is native to Mexico and Guatemala, where the flower is known as “Noche Buena.” Poinsettias in this country are named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico, who popularized these Christmas flowers here in 1828. (Thanks, Joel!)
Interestingly, the colorful red or ivory “blooms” are leaves; the actual flowers are small and not all that showy. There is something joyful about having a fresh, living flower in your home during the Christmas season. You might say that it’s a promise of spring in the middle of winter.
Many people with pets and small children wonder if poinsettias are poisonous. This myth or urban legend is absolutely NOT TRUE. You can enjoy the Christmas flower free of that concern.
And don’t forget that Dec. 12 is National Poinsettia Day!
