Sunday, November 28, 2010

Euphorbia pulcherrima

...meaning "very beautiful" is the botanical name given to this brilliant tropical flower.

Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico introduced the Poinsettia, as it is commonly known, to the United States.






December 12 is National Poinsettia Day as declared by act of congress to mark the date of the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett. Make sure to get that on your calendar. It's not really the perfect excuse for a party,(although it could be) but perhaps it will serve as a prompt to treat yourself or loved ones to one of these traditional, bright, holiday blooms. Our favorite West Hill Greenhouse has a nice selection and the owners will let you browse for as long as you like. Do it. It will be a long time until we see flowers again.

2 comments:

Georgiann said...

I love Poinsettias and have ordered two red ones (pink or white just don't do it for me) from Sylvie's school fundraiser. I have purchased from them the last few years and they have been quite nice.

useducation said...

Most people treat the poinsettia (also called Christmas star, Mexican flame leaf, or lobster plant) as an annual, purchasing a new plant at the beginning of the traditional winter flowering period and discarding it at the end.
Euphorbia Pulcherrima Euphorbiaceae Plant propagation guide Care