The showy bracts of poinsettias are what consumers look for in poinsettias, not the flowers. Why is this important to the consumer? If the plant you purchase doesn't have an abundance of showy flowers, don't expect them to emerge once you get the plant on your windowsill. Growers use an exacting process of light and darkness control to trigger bracts to color up, so what you see at the garden center is what you get. The flower clusters in the center of the bracts should have little or no pollen showing to guarantee the longest lasting flowers.
Pair Poinsettia's with Companion Plants
A red poinsettia in a foil-wrapped container is still the norm at grocery stores and garden centers in December, but plant-savvy shoppers gravitate toward innovative combos that feature their favorite holiday flower. Live poinsettias accented with cut evergreen branches and natural or white painted birch branches complement a winter motif. Poinsettias are drought tolerant plants that pair well with succulents for an on-trend look. Dwarf poinsettia varieties tucked into a giant hurricane glass terrarium with mosses and driftwood are gift-worthy.
Explore New Poinsettia Hybrids
Although red poinsettias continue to be the top sellers in December, novelty poinsettias offer decorators a wide palette to complement any home interior. Natural poinsettias in every shade of red, white, pink and salmon are available, while the marbled varieties add zest to holiday arrangements.
Explore Poinsettia in the Garden
Can you imagine growing a poinsettia specimen like this one in your garden? You can, if you live in a frost-free climate. In tropical areas, the poinsettia plant becomes a woody perennial that can grow up to 10 feet tall. Plant them in full sun, and keep the soil consistently moist. Fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced flower fertilizer during the growing season. If the plants receive 14 hours of total darkness each night for at least six weeks, you may get your plant to rebloom.
Exercise Caution with Poinsettias and Pets
Poinsettias will never be recognized as edible plants, but nor are they the toxic nemeses many pet owners make them out to be. The natural latex present in poinsettia sap may cause irritation to a pet’s mouth, but consumption of the leaves won’t cause anything more than a mild tummy ache. In fact, a research study at Ohio State University found no evidence that any part of the poinsettia plant is toxic to humans or animals.
Consider Technicolor Poinsettas
Perhaps after the long-sought after blue rose, the second most desired blue flower is the poinsettia. You can find these, and other exotic hues amongst the poinsettia offerings this year, but the colors aren’t nature-made. Florists use special nontoxic dyes and an ethanol-based solvent that won’t harm the bracts to create these rainbow alternatives.
If you would love to spruce up your home with some festive poinsettas or collaborative plants, please don't hesitate to reach out to us this holida season.
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