Flower of the Week: Poinsettia

If you take an occasional stroll through streets or botanical gardens in the harsh cold of winter, you may stumble upon a heartwarming splash of red – a striking effect exclusive to poinsettias. Known as the “Christmas flower”, poinsettia has emerald green leaves and fiery red bracts, perfectly matching the Christmas spirit. Also remarkable are its lovely flowers, yellow in color and hidden among the bracts. Not only can you enjoy its beauty in the streets, but you can also grow it at home to brighten your winter landscape.

Viewing Map

To appreciate the brilliant colors of poinsettias, the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. is worth a visit.

In the early 20th century, Albert Ecke immigrated to the United States from Germany and started a career cultivating poinsettias. The family business expanded rapidly in the hands of his sons and grandsons, gifting the world a large selection of exceptional never-before-seen poinsettia cultivars.

Nowadays, you can lay eyes on numerous, gorgeous poinsettia varieties in the United States Botanic Garden, including pink ‘Peppermint Ruffles’, peach ‘Autumn Leaves’, and the ‘Jingle Bell’ with its pink-spotted bracts. Every year in late fall, poinsettias bloom one after another in the garden and stay in full bloom throughout winter. If you wish, you can arrange a trip to check them out during the Christmas holiday.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Legend has it that the association of poinsettia and Christmas began in 16th century Mexico, where a girl was too poor to buy a gift for Jesus’ birthday celebration. She was inspired by an angel to collect wildflower seeds and plant them by the church where the celebration would be held. From these seeds, poinsettias germinated and bloomed.

The leaves of poinsettias are believed to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, while the red color symbolizes Jesus’ blood left behind from his crucifixion. Since the 17th century, Mexicans have celebrated Christmas with poinsettias, a tradition that has since spread throughout the world and continues to this day.

A Name in Memory of a Dignitary

In 1834, German botanist Johann Friedrich Klotzsch first described a species called Euphorbia pulcherrima and set that as its scientific name. Poinsettia, the name commonly used in English, was created in memory of a dignitary.

Pionsett is the last name of American diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US Minister to Mexico after the founding of the Republic of Mexico. He had a keen interest in natural science and was committed to exchanging plants between the United States and Mexico to strengthen relations between the two countries. It was he who first brought the poinsettia, which is native to Mexico, to the United States.

Watch Out for Toxicity

Don’t let your guard down around poinsettias simply because they are beautiful. Although it’s not deadly, its sap is irritative to our skin and eyes, and consuming it can cause nausea, emesis, diarrhea, and other adverse reactions. Therefore, try to place it somewhere high to prevent children and pets from making contact with it.

How do I Grow Poinsettia Well?

Poinsettia prefers warm environments but is vulnerable to pests and diseases. Therefore, it requires a certain amount of effort and care. As long as you meet its preferred conditions of light and moisture you can count on creating a fiery and cheerful winter holiday spirit by Christmas.

Poinsettia prefers loose, well-drained, loamy soil. Usually, it can be placed by a window to receive bright, scattered light. Wait until the soil is dry before watering it. In winter, cold prevention measures should be taken to keep it warm, and artificial light should be avoided at night so that it can bloom. Poinsettia is susceptible to pests and diseases such as grey mold, spider mites, etc., so pay attention to daily ventilation and keep the environment from becoming too wet.

Size: 10-60 cm (4-24 in) tall

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12

Light: Full sun to half sun

Soil: Loose, well-drained loamy soil

Bloom time: Winter