The True Story Poinsettia

The Latin name of the poinsettias we see everywhere during the holiday season is Euphorbia pulcherrima which actually translates to "most beautiful Euphorbia". They were called poinsettias because Joel Roberts Poinsett, the very first United States Ambassador to Mexico, introduced them into this country way back in 1828.

An old story actually comes with them. The Story begin many years ago when a person who resided in Mexico would have to deal with a troublesome issue on Holy Night. Due to her circumstances she would not be able to bring a gift to give to Christ Child during ceremony in her church. The ways for many years were that every child would present gifts. Being very confused and not knowing what to do, she began collecting weeds, with the weeds she made a bouquet. Her thoughts with this was, "it's the thought that counts".

Tradition was born in a most humble manner. She arrived at the church with the weeds she had gathered, apprehensive about her gift, only to find that they had transformed into vibrant, colorful blooms. They had become red Christmas poinsettias.

We still think about these bright blooms in connection with Christmas. They are plants that like mild weather and are seen mostly throughout Mexico. There, they grow on bushes, which are around 12 feet tall. They can't be raised outdoors in Northern climates, and are therefore raised inside greenhouses.

Christmas flowers comprise a very profitable business as they are an immensely popular seasonal item. They are grown as potted plants in green houses and enjoyed as indoor decor all through the holidays.

While you may only imagine poinsettias as red, modern cultivation has made them available in white, yellow, pink and a number of beautifully marbled variations. The average plant will be about two feet in height, not including the container, but during the holiday season you can find them in a range of sizes at your local florist. You can also order these holiday flowers online.