{"id":1132,"date":"2017-01-19T02:52:30","date_gmt":"2017-01-19T02:52:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/aboutflowers1.wpengine.com\/?p=1132"},"modified":"2017-01-19T02:52:30","modified_gmt":"2017-01-19T02:52:30","slug":"poinsettia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safnow.org\/aboutflowers\/poinsettia\/","title":{"rendered":"Poinsettia"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Poinsettia<\/h3>\n

Common names: <\/b>poinsettia\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Description:<\/b> Poinsettias are a popular gift and home decoration for the Christmas season. Flower-like bracts as large as 12 inches across grow on these potted plants and may be red, white, pink, yellow, speckled or variegated; these bracts surround the tiny, yellow true flowers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the longstanding myth, the poinsettia is the most widely tested plant and has been proven to be non-toxic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special Care:<\/b> Water thoroughly when soil surface feels dry remove excess water from trays and foil covers. Bright, indirect light will prolong their life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Poinsettia Colors and Varieties<\/h3>\n

Poinsettias are a longstanding favorite as gifts and decor for the Christmas holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the standard three- to six-bloom red poinsettia is the most popular, there are several other sizes, shapes and colors available.<\/span><\/p>\n

Colors can range from creamy white to shades of pink and orange to the traditional red. Also available are marbled bracts of pink and white as well as pink flecks on red. Poinsettias can be purchased in miniature sizes, trees, hanging baskets and even as fresh cut flowers. <\/span><\/p>\n

History and Legend of the Poinsettia<\/h3>\n

Poinsettias were first introduced to the United States in 1825 by Joel Robert Poinsett, amateur botanist and first ambassador to Mexico. He introduced the plant to the United States when he brought some cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina.<\/span><\/p>\n

December 12 is National Poinsettia Day, an official day set aside to enjoy this symbol of holiday cheer. It was established upon the death of Mr. Poinsett to honor him and the plant he made famous. He died in 1851.<\/span><\/p>\n

Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where they grow wild. The enchanting legend of the poinsettia dates back several centuries, to a Christmas Eve in Mexico when a little girl named Pepita had no gift to present to the Christ child. Her cousin Pedro urged her to give a humble gift. So, on her way to church she gathered some weeds she found along the road. As she approached the altar, a miracle happened: The weeds blossomed into brilliant flowers. Then they were called Flores de Noche Buena – Flowers of the Holy Night. Now they are called poinsettias.<\/span><\/p>\n

Poinsettia Care Tips<\/h3>\n

Poinsettias are one of the longest-lasting blooming plants available to consumers.<\/span><\/p>\n

To choose the perfect poinsettia:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n