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As synonymous as holly and evergreen, the poinsettia represents purity and is often referred to as a “Christmas Star”. This showy shrub is named for the first American ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, who fell in love with the remarkable perennial during his time of service there.
The plant’s striking appearance prompted Poinsett to send back cuttings to his home in South Carolina so he could continue to enjoy the beauty of the exotic blooms and share their gift of splendor with others.
These events took place in the late 1820s and the early 1830s, and since that time, the poinsettia has garnered admiration from people around the world. Its popularity peaks around the holidays, but as a perennial, the poinsettia will continue to thrive year after year, though it requires great attention and care.
Though deep red is the color most identified with the poinsettia, today there are a myriad of delightful varieties. The classic velvety-red poinsettia, still the favorite, has been joined by varieties in unexpected colors—pink, plum, and cream. Poinsettias with solid-color bracts are as popular as ever, but newer choices can be speckled (“Shimmer Surprise “), or marbled (“Shimmer Pink”). ‘Winter Rose’ poinsettias have a rounded flower shape with bracts that curl under in colors of red, pink, and white. With so many options, holiday decorating is no longer limited to red and green.
Poinsettias are easy to take care of and maintenance free. Water only when soil begins to dry out. Remove wrappers to allow drainage. Keep away from drafts from windows and doors, and also away from heater vents.
Keep your Poinsettias until next Christmas by planting out in the yard in spring and then bring indoors in September. Place where plant will receive continuous darkness for 16 hours each day.
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For more great gardening tips visit Engh Gardens at www.enghgardens.com or 801-748-0102.
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