It’s Time for Poinsettias!
By Vanessa Richins
I am spending the month of December in Southern California.
I had the opportunity to take a tour of the Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch, a leading producer of poinsettias.
Did you know that, despite only being sold for approximately six weeks every year, poinsettias are the most sold potted plant?
I also learned that poinsettias started as cut “flowers” (the colored parts are actually bracts, a modified type of leaf. The true, small flowers are in the center). They were later developed for use as potted plants. The Paul Ecke Poinsettia Ranch has been developing a long stem cut-type over the past 30 years. The bracts are also curled, making these look like roses.
Poinsettias aren’t just red anymore. I saw many shades of white (cream), pink, plum, and variegated varieties.
They also made sure to stress that poinsettias are NOT poisonous. Some people may be allergic to the latex liquid found in the stems. Otherwise, it is a safe addition for your household. It is also effective in removing pollution from the home.
You can keep your poinsettias past Christmastime. Over time the bracts will age and fall off. However, you can get them to rebloom the following winter with some care. Follow their guide http://www.ecke.com/new1/corp_story/corp_pntcareRebloom.asp if you are interested in reblooming your poinsettias.
Some people have had luck planting them outside in warm climates, though results will vary. Although the poinsettia comes from Mexico, breeding and conditioning have made the potted poinsettias you buy into houseplants.
Do you think of poinsettias as “THE” Christmas plant?
What is your favorite color?
