Poinsettias

When I was a child I always noticed this tall straggly plant that grew to the height of my parent’s garage. It had green leaves and red vibrant flowers throughout the year. I really did not know the name of the plant but my mother always told me it was a Poinsettia.

Poinsettia Christmas Arrangement

Poinsettias are native to Mexico. The plant is name after Mr. Joel Poinsett. December 12th is National Poinsettia Day in honor of Joel Poinsett who died on this day in 1851. He was the 1st United States ambassador to Mexico and introduced the bright red plant to his homeland.

In nature, poinsettias are a perennial flowering shrub that can grow to ten feet tall. Poinsettias are traditional Christmas plants that will last through the Christmas season and beyond. The colored parts of the poinsettias are not flowers both are actually colored bracts. Colored bracts are modified leaves. Poinsettias are not poisonous but produce a sap that can be irritating to the skin. Beside the traditional red, poinsettias are available from a creamy white to shades of pink, orange, marbled bracts of pink and white as well as pink flecks on red. With some tender loving care after the holiday season, your poinsettias will bloom for many years to come as the one that is still growing next to the garage at my mom’s house.

Patty