Poinsettias are one of the symbols of Christmas and there is much excitement when they are seen. Beautiful, bright, velvet-red Poinsettias adorn banks, offices, stores and homes adding the final touch of the Christmas season.
I was in one of the commercial banks delivering Poinsettias when a small crowd of customers approached me and asked: “Lady, are those red plants for real? We’ve never seen such beauties! Tell us the secret how they are so velvet red?” I was happy to tell them about Poinsettias and after some time they left smiling. Poinsettias brought smiles of appreciation to people’s faces.
Euphorbia pulcherrima commonly called Poinsettia or Flower of the Holy Night has a rich history dating back to the 14th century.
Poinsettias are grown all over the world for the Christmas market as hybrid potted plants with the US and Holland being the largest growers and exporters.
Poinsettias come in various sizes and colours, but velvet red, whitish/cream and marble splash are the popular ones. I am always taken with the marble splash, which is red and cream. For some reason it always stands out.
Poinsettias are an ideal Christmas gift. If you happen to get one make sure you know how to take
care of it so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.
NB: Stems and bracts, if broken, give off a milky sap. At all costs, avoid contact with your eyes.
Until next week, Happy Gardening!
