Fun and Interesting Poinsettia Facts
'Tis the season of festivity, and amid the jingle bells and twinkling lights, one iconic plant takes center stage—the magnificent poinsettia. As the undisputed king of potted plants during the holiday season, poinsettias not only add a burst of color to our homes but also contribute significantly to the nation's economy. With a market lifespan of just about six weeks, these festive companions make a bold statement in a short amount of time.
December Blooms. Original Watercolor Painting. 8 3/8” x 11 1/4 “ Matted to size 13” x 17” and enhanced in a satin nickel metal frame.
Poinsettias: More Than a Holiday Staple
Amidst the hustle and bustle, many join the celebration by selling poinsettias, attracting eager buyers looking to infuse their holiday decor with the plant's bright and showy charm. Beyond their visual appeal, here are eight intriguing facts that make poinsettias more than just a seasonal ornament.
1. Origins in Mexico
Take a journey back to ancient Mexico, where the Aztecs utilized poinsettias not for decor but as a source of red dye. The plant's sap, an essential ingredient, was even employed to control fevers!
2. Debunking the Poison Myth
Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous. While sensitivity to the milky white latex in their sap can cause irritation, it's crucial to dispel the misconception that these festive plants are harmful.
3. A Spectrum of Hues
Move over classic red, because poinsettias flaunt a palette of more than 100 varieties. From elegant whites to vibrant purples, there's a shade for every holiday enthusiast. Marvel at the marble and bicolor varieties that add an extra layer of charm.
Colorful poinsettias at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA.
4. The Art of Misdirection
What appears to be a bloom is, in fact, a clever disguise. The colorful part of the poinsettia is not a flower but a modified leaf, aptly named bracts. Nestled within these bracts are the small yellow flowers, known as cyathium.
5. Bloom in Darkness
Poinsettias have a unique demand for both sunshine and dark nights to bloom. The magic happens during late fall and early winter when shorter days and longer nights trigger their vibrant display. Artificial lights disrupt this natural cycle, revealing the delicate dance between nature and nurture.
6. National Poinsettia Day
Mark your calendars for December 12, the day dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Joel Roberts Poinsett. As the visionary who introduced poinsettias to the United States from Mexico, his contributions are honored every year on National Poinsettia Day.
Infuse Your holiday decor with poinsettia’s color and elegance! See December Blooms original painting in my Floral & Botanical Shop.
7. California Dreaming of Poinsettias
While poinsettias are commercially grown in all 50 states, California takes the crown as the top producer. Other notable contributors include North Carolina, Texas, Florida, and Ohio, each playing a vital role in bringing these festive blooms to our homes.
8. Towering Beauties
In their native tropical habitat, poinsettias transform from festive houseplants into towering wonders. Reaching heights of 10 to 15 feet, these perennial woody shrubs resemble small trees, offering a glimpse into their natural majesty.
As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of poinsettias, let's not only appreciate them as holiday adornments but also as botanical marvels with a rich history and diverse palette. And what better way to capture their essence than through the delicate strokes of watercolor, bringing to life the vibrant tapestry of the poinsettia world.