Poinsettias evoke the holiday spirit and have become the symbol of Christmas.
Euphorbia pulcherrima (‘pulcherrima’ means ‘very beautiful’) is commonly called the Poinsettia or Flower of the Holy Night. It originated from Mexico where it was grown by the Aztecs of Central Mexico as a shrub, as well as being used by them to dye fabrics and control fever. This was many centuries before it was introduced to the United States by Joel Poinsett, an American Ambassador to Mexico in the 18th century, from whom it derives its common name.
It is now grown all over the world in large amounts for the Christmas market as a hybrid potted plant.
Poinsettias have velvety green leaves that are toothed. The actual flowers are inconspicuous; they are small and berry like. They are clustered together like beads and are surrounded by leaf-like bracts. It is these bracts which become bright red as the flowers mature and which give the plant its fame.
The colour of the poinsettia bracts will last for approximately three months, given normal room temperature and good light. Christmas would not be as colourful without the beautiful red poinsettia, and the long lasting-bracts will provide cheer for several weeks during the festive season. Poinsettias are available in colours of red, dark red, pink, marble and variegated cream and red ‒ marble being the most unusual one.
Water the soil only and allow to dry out before watering again.
(To be continued)
Until next week, Happy gardening!
