This Christmas try and make a point of stopping in our greenhouse to see the latest varieties of poinsettias.

Poinsettias have for a long time been a Christmas tradition, but the poinsettia has evolved way beyond the simple red leafed plant we have come to know. Today there is many hues from reds and pinks, creams and whites and even some yellows. The bracts too have been evolving as well, some varieties even boasting variegated and zygomorphic foliage. (That means they have two colors on the leaf and the leaf itself is ruffled.) New at greengate you can find the cultivar Ice Punch.

Proper care of your Christmas poinsettia includes lots of light and monitoring of its' moisture. If the soil dries out or water collects in the plastic pot your plant will suffer. It is crucial to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Always discard any excess water that collects in decorative pot covers. You can enjoy your poinsettia all year long with a little attention.

History of the Poinsettia 

The poinsettia is a native plant of Mexico, and was a symbol of purity to the Indians. The Aztecs made a reddish-purple dye from the bracts and a medicine for fever from the sap.

Legend says that a little Mexican girl, Pepita, was sad because she had no gift for the Christ Child on Christmas Eve. Her cousin, Pedro, assured her that any gift, no matter how humble, would be acceptable to him if given in love. Pepita gathered common weeds, and placed them tenderly at the feet of the Christ Child, and a miracle happened . Pepita's weeds turned into brilliant red blooms! They were called 'Flores de Nocha Buena', or Flowers of the Holy night.

In the 1820's, Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American botanist, was impressed with the winter blooming plants in Mexico, and he brought them to his home in South Carolina to propagate. They did well, becoming known as Poinsettias. In 1902, Albert Ecke came to Southern California from Switzerland. He began raising Poinsettias for cut flowers at Christmas. His son, Paul Sr., developed the indoor potted plant we know, and he and his son, Paul Jr., have created a huge, highly technical business, producing Poinsettias for the world. They have developed new hybrids that maintain their bushy shape and hold their color longer, in many new colors.

Remember, poinsettias are not poisonous. The sap can be irritating to the eyes, but they are not toxic. There is no need to be concerned about children or pets. So enjoy!        What would Christmas be like without them?