Plant Facts

Poinsettia – (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

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  • Name - Named after Colonel Joel Roberts Poinsett of the US army. Pronounced POYNE-sett-ya. "Pulcherrima" means "most beautiful".
  • Origin - Mexico and Central America. In the wild these plants are bare-branched small trees.
  • Colours - Most people know traditional red poinsettias at Christmas, but these plants also come in peach, pink, lemon, cream, and with white- and gold-splashed leaves.
  • Care Tips - Protect poinsettias from cold and draughts at all times - wrap them up carefully to carry them home and unwrap as soon as you arrive. They need a light position and a temperature of 55-60°F (16-18°C) but not above a radiator. Water when the compost is moderately dry; don't over or under-water as this results in leaf drop. Water by standing in water for 20 minutes (not more than 30) and then remove to allow to drain. The milky white sap of this plant can irritate skin, so wash your hands after handling it, and keep plants away from young children.
  • Trivia - Colonel Poinsett was the first US Ambassador to Mexico (1825-9). He grew them himself and sent some back to botanical gardens in the USA.
  • Around ten acres of poinsettias are grown in the UK every year

    See poinsettias on The One Show, BBC 1, 16 December, 7pm.

    Find your perfect match this winter and take our Poinsettia Quiz!


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    Poinsettia