The poinsettia plant is a true Christmas tradition and was introduced into the United States, in 1825, by Joel Poinsett. Joel Poinsett was a Diplomatic Minister, the first ambassador to Mexico. Poinsettias are the national flower of Mexico, there, they grow like shrubs! After spending much time in Mexico, Poinsett returned to the U.S bringing the beautiful red flowering plant with him. He cultivated, and propagated them in numbers, and gave them to friends and family at Christmas. So the tradition began, and the lovely plant took on his name.
Poinsettias are of the euphorbiaceous plant family, the characteristic of theses varieties of plants are when their stems break they ooze a white milkfish sap. Most people think of the bright colored leaves of the poinsettia as their flower, but it is not, those leaves are called bracts. The flowers are actually the tiny yellow buds that form in the center of the bracts.
An interesting fact is that Poinsettias are still the number one potted flowering plant sold in
the U.S. Amazing as that seems, it all happens in a short, six week, window of time. Although, their selling season is short, the plant itself can last forever. National Poinsettia Day is December 12th.
Poinsettias will soon be arriving at your local Home Depot in many sizes and varieties. Bring the tradition of the wonderful Poinsettia home with you, spread the joy; drop one off at your friends and neighbors, send one into your child’s class room. A pot of poinsettias is a perfect economical way to say happy holidays to one and all.
This post was written by BostonRoots. Video by Grow2girl.
