Celebrating the Poinsettia

The Poinsettia

 

As it is approaching Christmas I thought we could look at the poinsettia

December 12th is the National Poinsettia Day celebrated in the US.

In the language of flowers the poinsettia stands for –    

 

• Wishing you every happiness and cheer

 

This flower is very appropriate for Christmas.

 

The poinsettia is everywhere at Christmas time, they certainly brighten up the place and look very festive. Some consider buying a poinsettia is as important as the traditional Christmas tree.

The story told is that a poor child wanted to offer a birthday gift to Jesus.  As he didn’t have any material gifts to give, he chose some plants from the side of the road and brought them to church as his offering. Many laughed and thought this was a terrible gift, but as he offered them to Jesus, the weeds bloomed into beautiful red flowers, as he offered the gift with his heart.

 

Here are some interesting facts about the Poinsettia

• They come in many shades and colours with over 100 varieties.

•  They can be tricky to grow as they need just the right amount of sunlight, heat and water.

• If they are given the care that they need, you can have them flower each year.

• When they are in bloom they have brightly coloured bracts – for example – red, pink, plum, white and so on … on the top of each stem.

• The flowers are the tiny yellow buds that are found in the centre of the bracts.

• For advice on how to cultivate and grow your poinsettia successfully, the RHS have provided a detailed guide -   Poinsettias

• You can buy poinsettias from gardening centre’s to supermarkets.

• On my research I came across this amazing photo on the internet of a tree of Poinsettias! Have a look at  Hearst Castle  in California

•  The story behind the poinsettia is that it was found by Joel Poinsett – the first US Ambassador to Mexico.

• This plant is native to the Pacific coast of Mexico and Central America

• The botanical name of this plant is the Euphorbia Pulcherrima

• This plant has several names, from the Christmas Star to the Winter Rose.

• There is an incorrect myth that Poinsettias are poisonous, but the sap can cause irritation.

• In America there is a National Poinsettia Day on the 12^th December – that marks the death of Joel Poinsett.

• Did you know there is a cocktail called the ‘Poinsettia cocktail?’ This drink is made from  dry sparkling white wine, vodka and cranberry juice.

• Want to make some poinsettia decorations? Have a look at this wonderful crepe paper poinsettia 

 

Nurseries :

• Daleside Nurseries LTD in Harrogate Yorkshire – have a selection of 12 varieties

•  Summerfield Nurseries   in Canterbury Kent.

They even have special poinsettia walk days at the end of November – early December, where you can walk amongst

thousands of these plants and have refreshments.

•   Barnsfold Nurseries  (For wholesale trade only)  have a photo gallery of some of the varieties of Poinsettias available.

 

Nita Joy Designs Christmas cards:

 

* We have Poinsettia greeting card packs for Christmas.

 

If you want to wish someone every happiness and cheer this Christmas, then you can’t go wrong with a Poinsettia.

 

Related articles

• Poinsettia Christmas card pack (nitajoydesigns.co.uk)