Featured Plant of the Week (Poinsettias)
October 29, 2010
Poinsettias
Don't panic! It may be that time of year again, but there's no reason to stress. By the week of the 8th of November, perhaps even sooner, BloomRite® Gardens will begin carrying the famously sought after Poinsettia. This quintessential holiday flower has long been a fixture in Christmas décor. It was not always this way though, and there is much about his striking plant that many do not know. Read on to find out more about the Poinsettia, and of course how you can get your hands on some in time for the holiday season!
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the poinsettia is that it's a member of the Euphorbia genus. That's right; poinsettia is one of the many 'spurges.' The plant's appearance is a far cry from the many other species that seem to have more in common with cactus and succulents. Yet nonetheless poinsettias possess a latex sap, tiny flower structures called cyathia, and prominent bracts. All of which are hallmarks of the Euphorbia genus.
Which leads us to the somewhat less surprising fact (though generally unknown to laymen) that the bright red 'flowers' of the plant are not flowers at all, but rather specialized leaves called bracts. The actual flowers of the poinsettia are part of the small yellow structures in the center of those red leaves. These are the cyathia that were mentioned earlier.
Another thing many people may not be aware of is that poinsettia is native to Mexico and little where else. Residing at medium altitudes along the Pacific coast, it can be found from southern Sinola, down to Guatemala. It also grows inland in hot, seasonally dry forests of Guerrero and Oaxaca. It has since traveled to destinations besides North America, such as Australia and Egypt, where it's a popular cultivated plant.
The name 'poinsettia' is derived from a man named Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico. He introduced the poinsettia to the US in 1828 after he had success growing it in his greenhouse. The actual botanical name is Euphorbia pulcherrima. 'Pulcherrima' means most beautiful. Pretty apt name, huh? In Mexico it's called Noche Buena, which means Christmas Eve. Before the Spanish arrived centuries ago, the Aztecs called the plant Cuitlaxochitl (try saying that three times fast). It has many other common names as well, such as Christmas Star, Winter Rose, Pascua, and Mexican Flame Leaf.
The poinsettia's place as a Christmas flower begins a long time ago, in 16th century Mexico. The legend goes that a young girl, or boy depending on the story, was too poor to get a gift for a service celebrating Jesus' day of birth. Inspired by an older sibling, or in some versions even an angel, the child is told that even a humble gift is acceptable so long as it's given in love. So she picked common weeds from the roadside and tried to fashion them into a bouquet. However, when the arrangement was placed upon the church altar, the plants sprouted into brilliant red blooms.
However, it didn't really become the definitive Christmas flower until a third generation California grower by the name of Paul Ecke Jr began actively associating his plants with holiday décor. He pioneered sending cuttings of his plants by air, instead of mature specimens by rail, which profoundly changed the market for them. He also sent free plants to television stations from November through December, so that they would be displayed in broadcasts through the holiday season. He even went so far as to promote them on programs like The Tonight Show and Bob Hope Christmas specials. As a consequence poinsettias have skyrocketed in popularity, and since become the default choice for houseplants during the holidays.
An upshot to this massive commercialization though is that it has produced much hardier and easy to care for varieties of poinsettia. Although some what physically fragile, the care requirements are quite basic. Bright indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day should handle its light requirements. Typical indoor temperatures are also best for poinsettia, meaning something around 65°F to 70°F should be adequate. Its best to water the plant after the soil becomes dry to the touch. Be warned that allowing the plant to sit in water is a surefire way to cause rot. It doesn't hurt to fertilize the plant after the blooming season either, though avoid doing so when it is blooming.
By the time you read this it's possible, though not guaranteed, that BloomRite® Gardens may already be receiving the first batches of poinsettias. However, they will definitely show up no later than November 8. As usual we will be stocking a wide variety of colors and sizes, with and without mylar wrap or other decorative covers. A general list of the sizes and prices follows:
- 2" Points, $2.45 per plant, sold in 24 plant flats
- 3" Points, $3.50 per plant, sold in 15 plant flats
- 4" Points, $3.95 per plant, sold in 15 plant flats
- 6" Points, $5.50 per plant
- 8" Points, $12.95 per plant
- 10" Points, $15.95 per plant
2 and 3 inch plants will generally only be available in red, though there will be some white 4 inch in stock. The 6 inch poinsettias come in white, red, pink, and 'marble' colors. The larger sizes will generally be available in red, white, and pink. To get a more detailed look at what we're stocking, download our Holiday Price & Availability list here.
One last note readers: the best way to ensure availability of poinsettias is to place an order ahead of time. Poinsettias are always in high demand, especially the more exotic colors. Place your orders now to ensure the best availability in the future. If you wait to pick up points the week you need them our selection will be very much subject to change. To place your orders please call Frank Costa, here in Will Call at 650-712-4231. You can also fax your order in using the number 650-712-4209.
Thanks for reading, and we hope your holiday business is good!
