2010 Poinsettia Selection

Here at Fairview, we take great pride in all the varieties of poinsettias we carry throughout the holiday season. Did you know? We grow 14 different varieties. Yes, Virginia, 14 DIFFERENT varieties. From shades of red, pink, white, salmon and burgundy to special rose-shaped and marble varieties, we are sure to have a poinsettia to match your holiday decor! In addition we grow roughly 10,000 poinsettia plants to choose from, ranging from four-inch to ten-inch pots (even lovely holiday arrangements) so we definitely have you covered! Our vast and unique selection is what makes us stand out as a premier poinsettia grower.

It Starts With a Little History
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), the classic Christmas plant, is native to Mexico; Aztecs called it “Cuetlayochitl.” Today in Mexico, the poinsettia is called Flor de nochebuena or Christmas Eve Flower. The Poinsettia is named after Joel R. Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Poinsettia cuttings were first brought to the United States (South Carolina) around 1828. Poinsettias grown in Mexico look different from what we are accustomed to; they are a perennial flowering shrub that grows to 10-15 feet tall. The brilliant color you see are not flowers, but colored bracts (modified leaves) just like colors of bougainvillea vines we carry at Fairview.

Poinsettia Care
Poinsettias are probably the most well known plant for the holiday season, followed by Amaryllis and Christmas Cactus. Poinsettias are relatively easy to grow as long as you follow a few basic rules. Being a tropical plant from Mexico, the poinsettia cannot take temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit without becoming stressed and going into shock. Another important rule to poinsettia care is to follow a water schedule. Even though the poinsettia originated in Mexico, they need to be kept moist (not wet, moist). Allowing your poinsettia to dry out for even an hour period will stress the plant making it drop foliage. Also, if you received your poinsettia(s) wrapped in foil, make sure water does not sit in the foil after waterings, as this will likely cause your beloved plant to rot.

In addition, poinsettias prefer bright light. A little morning sun is a good thing, but afternoon sun will burn poinsettias once they’ve adapted to your home’s environment. It is also important to never place your poinsettia(s) in an area exposed to drafts, either cold or hot, such as near an entry way, air conditioner vent, or fireplace. And contrary to the old wives tale, poinsettias are not poisonous, although if ingested they may cause stomach discomfort.

Happy Holidays!
Ashley F.
Fairview Greenhouses & Garden Center


Note: Please use the following pictures as a guideline only as colors may not appear on your monitor as they do in person.