The Countdown to Christmas Begins - Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia

The count down to Christmas begins... only five weeks until Christmas Day! Florist stores are all well prepared for the season, and stocked to the brim with a stunning range of gift ideas and Christmas decorations for your home. The plant Euphorbia pulcherrima, (more commonly known as Poinsettia) is one of the Christmas gifts in which we now have stocked.

Read more to find out more about this stunning plant…

Plant Description

Euphorbia pulcherrima / Poinsettia is indigenous to Central America and Mexico. Part of the spurge family, the Poinsettia is recognised for its beautiful leafy green and red foliage and is commonly used at Christmas time in floral displays because of its traditional Christmas colours. The bracts that are usually bright red in colour and they also come in other colours such as orange, cream or pink. The bracts of the poinsettia are often mistaken as the plants flowers.

Why Poinsettias Symbolise Christmas

There are many stories and beliefs that explain how the Poinsettia became to be a symbol of Christmas…

• The ancient Aztecs (the Mexican Indians) believed the Poinsettia to be a symbol of purity. Many years later, Mexico's early Christians adopted the Poinsettia as their prized Christmas Eve Brisbane flower. • All over the world the Poinsettia, is used in most Christmas decorations, owing to its bright red color and its blooming season coinciding with the Christmas holiday season.• For some, the star-shaped bracts of the Poinsettia symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.• In Australia, the Poinsettia flowers have become a symbol of Christmas and are commonly used as festive decor.

Choosing the Right Poinsettia

There are a few simple things you can do to ensure that your Poinsettia lasts as long as possible. Begin by checking the tiny yellow flowers in the center of the bract. Select a Poinsettia that has unopened flowers, this will ensure that the plant will remain to have coloured bracts for a longer period. If any of the bracts are green, the plant is probably an older one; you should avoid these. It is also best to select a plant that is compact in form, and one that has many bracts. Poinsettias require excellent drainage and good air circulation in order to flourish. It is important not overwater the plant.

Beautiful specimens of living Poinsettias have arrived in most florist stores. The Poinsettia is also apart of our online Christmas range. The plants have been gift wrapped for your convenience, and would make a delightful Christmas gift. For more information on flowers and buying the perfect Poinsettia, click here.

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