Tip of the Week: Points About Poinsettias
Posted in Gardening Tips on January 4th, 2010 by Sonia Uyterhoeven – Be the first to comment |
Sonia Uyterhoeven is Gardener for Public Education. |
They are ubiquitous during the holiday season…and for good reason. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are full, colorful plants with an enormous amount of festive appeal. As many of my botanically savvy readers know, the flowers are actually minuscule. The beauty of the poinsettia comes from its large, colorful bracts.
My personal delight with poinsettias is that they come not only in the traditional yuletide red but also in cream and rosy-pink. Whatever your taste, they seem to adorn every church altar and brighten up many homes at this time of year.
I cringe, though, when I see people walking down the street with an open poinsettia in hand, exposed to the elements. Please be an informed shopper and insist that the florist or retailer wraps the plant. This can simply mean temporarily covering the plant with a shopping bag. Remember that this tropical plant cannot handle cool temperatures. read more »