Nothing says the holidays like a poinsettia. This year, try some new ways to display this festive plant.
Poinsettias are available in various colors including white, pink, hot pink, yellow, peach, marbled, and speckled.
The colorful parts of the plant, often called flowers, are modified leaves called bracts.
The real flowers (cyathia) are small, yellow, and appear at the tip of the stem surrounded by the bract.
Display Your Poinsettias in New Places
Place a plant on a side or serving table. Remove the foil and set the plant in a decorative container.
Try a hot pink poinsettia in a decorative pot to bring some POP to your holiday decor.
Add several different colors set in a serving tray, basket, or unique container.
Dress up Your Holiday Meals
Place several potted poinsettias in the middle of the table.
Princettia poinsettias are compact and, with their abundant, vibrant flowers, make the perfect table centerpiece. Your guests will be able to see across the table as they visit over dinner, enjoying the holiday ambience created by these beautiful plants.
Dress up each place setting with a cut poinsettia bloom.
Simply cut the flowers off a potted poinsettia plant to the desired length. Place it in a floral water pick, the water-filled tubes used for cut flowers. Tuck the bloom into a napkin, set it in a small bud vase or add a ribbon to dress it up. They make great party favors for your guests.
Poinsettia Plants are NOT Poisonous.
It is a common belief that poinsettia plants are poisonous. But the fact is, they’re NOT. An Ohio State University study, conducted in 1971, debunked this myth. Researchers found the plant is not toxic, even in high doses.
Add Poinsettias to Winter Centerpieces
Princettia poinsettias are the perfect size to add to any winter dish garden.
Choose three or more plants and add them to your large container. Incorporate greenery by bringing in fresh-cut winter greens or adding small green or blooming plants.
Beyond the Holidays…
Extend the look beyond Christmas by planting your poinsettias in pots that fit your home décor.
Go rustic with wood or hammered, or galvanized metal containers. Oblong shapes enhance this look. Place a few smaller plants next to each other in a wider container. Or go sleek and modern with simple ceramics. White really makes the pinks pop!
Poinsettias will last for months in your home so you can enjoy them through the winter months.
To keep the plants happy, water once a week and keep away from drafty doorways. Find out more here about making your Poinsettia shine this season.
Proper Pronunciation
While enjoying your holidays, a discussion on the proper pronunciation of the plant’s name may arise.
Some say Poinsett-a and don’t pronounce the second i. Others include it and say Poinsett-e-a? You will find both pronunciations in various dictionaries. In other words, either one is considered correct, so no one loses this debate.
These colorful plants are sure to brighten your spirits throughout the holiday season, so be sure to make some space for a few poinsettia displays.
Written By: Melinda Myers
NGB Member: Suntory Flowers
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD and instant video series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’
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