Today is National Poinsettia Day.
December 12th, 2008
So, I am totally serious when I say today is National Poinsettia Day. You know, those bright red plants usually spotted as you approach the entrance to your local Giant Eagle or Home Depot? The one wrapped with holiday foil all ready to be purchased for your holiday hostess gift? Yes, those are the ones.
Did you know that poinsettias are native to Mexico? Did you know poinsettias are not poisonous, (a study at OSU showed that a 50 pound child who ate 500 bracts might have a slight tummy ache)? Did you know poinsettias represent over 85 percent of the potted plant sales during the holiday season, 80% purchased by women? Did you know poinsettias have been called the lobster flower?
I happen to really like the white poinsettia plant. They seem so sophisticated and elegant amongst the brightly lit trees and sparkly presents. The plant sings to the joy of the season, simple and gorgeous. Nothing can replicate the beauty of nature. This weekend why not head out to one of these amazing Cleveland nurseries and explore their poinsettia selection.
Ever been to Daisy Hill Greenhouse? Tucked away in Chagrin Falls (34050 Hackney Rd Chagrin Falls, OH 44022) this nursery will blow you away with their selection of interesting pants (including hundreds of orchids & birds of paradise) and actual greenhouse structures that go as far as the eye can see. One thing unique to Daisy Hill is if you are an orchid enthusiast but don’t find joy in misting the plant and bringing them back to bloom, the orchid experts offer a pick up from your home, take back to the nursery and in a few months return the plant filled with blooms back to your home service. An orchid daycare if you will.
Another great poinsettia resource would be your local Petitti Garden Centers (www.petittigardencenter.com). They have many types of plants everything from small centerpiece-ready plants to massive poinsettia explosions. ($2.99-$19.99) Red, pink, polka dotted, white and even ones covered in glitter, the selection is wild. Along with a tropical greenhouse filled with these holiday plants, Petitti also carries an insane variety of holiday ornaments, something for everyone. The displays are over-the-top stunning, and this weekend you can get your picture taken with Santa.
A few little tips I learned about selecting the perfect holiday plant...
> Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line.
> Choose bracts (modified leaves) that are completely colored.
> Do not purchase poinsettias with a lot of green around the bract edges.
> Do not choose plants with fallen or yellowed leaves
> The poinsettia should look full, balanced and attractive from all sides
> The plant should be 2 1/2 times taller than the diameter of the container
> Choose plants that are not drooping or wilting.
> Do not purchase plants that are displayed in paper or plastic sleeves. Plants held in sleeves will deteriorate quickly
> When you take the poinsettia home, be sure to have it sleeved or covered when outdoor temperatures are below 50°F.
So, I am totally serious when I say today is National Poinsettia Day. You know, those bright red plants usually spotted as you approach the entrance to your local Giant Eagle or Home Depot? The one wrapped with holiday foil all ready to be purchased for your holiday hostess gift? Yes, those are the ones.
Did you know that poinsettias are native to Mexico? Did you know poinsettias are not poisonous, (a study at OSU showed that a 50 pound child who ate 500 bracts might have a slight tummy ache)? Did you know poinsettias represent over 85 percent of the potted plant sales during the holiday season, 80% purchased by women? Did you know poinsettias have been called the lobster flower?
I happen to really like the white poinsettia plant. They seem so sophisticated and elegant amongst the brightly lit trees and sparkly presents. The plant sings to the joy of the season, simple and gorgeous. Nothing can replicate the beauty of nature. This weekend why not head out to one of these amazing Cleveland nurseries and explore their poinsettia selection.
Ever been to Daisy Hill Greenhouse? Tucked away in Chagrin Falls (34050 Hackney Rd Chagrin Falls, OH 44022) this nursery will blow you away with their selection of interesting pants (including hundreds of orchids & birds of paradise) and actual greenhouse structures that go as far as the eye can see. One thing unique to Daisy Hill is if you are an orchid enthusiast but don’t find joy in misting the plant and bringing them back to bloom, the orchid experts offer a pick up from your home, take back to the nursery and in a few months return the plant filled with blooms back to your home service. An orchid daycare if you will.
Another great poinsettia resource would be your local Petitti Garden Centers (www.petittigardencenter.com). They have many types of plants everything from small centerpiece-ready plants to massive poinsettia explosions. ($2.99-$19.99) Red, pink, polka dotted, white and even ones covered in glitter, the selection is wild. Along with a tropical greenhouse filled with these holiday plants, Petitti also carries an insane variety of holiday ornaments, something for everyone. The displays are over-the-top stunning, and this weekend you can get your picture taken with Santa.
A few little tips I learned about selecting the perfect holiday plant...
> Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line.
> Choose bracts (modified leaves) that are completely colored.
> Do not purchase poinsettias with a lot of green around the bract edges.
> Do not choose plants with fallen or yellowed leaves
> The poinsettia should look full, balanced and attractive from all sides
> The plant should be 2 1/2 times taller than the diameter of the container
> Choose plants that are not drooping or wilting.
> Do not purchase plants that are displayed in paper or plastic sleeves. Plants held in sleeves will deteriorate quickly
> When you take the poinsettia home, be sure to have it sleeved or covered when outdoor temperatures are below 50°F.
posted by Charity at
1:47 PM
3 Comments:
FUN! I have a fake white pointsettia in my office right now. (I can't keep a real plant alive to save my -- er, its -- life.)
i love the white ones too. the red ones are so festive, too.
my mom got one as a gift and then kept it alive all year long. the leaves ended up being green all year, instead of red or white. come to find out, she was supposed to put it in a mostly dark room around october in order for the red leaves to reappear!
~heidzilla
www.heidzillas.com
Each year during the holiday season, the City of Cleveland's Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, just off the Rockefeller Parkway on MLK Drive, displays hundred's of poinsettas in different colors and varities (ever seen a blue one?)
Admission is free: http://www.rockefellergreenhouse.org/
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