The poinsettia was first associated with Christmas in southern Mexico in
the 1600s
, when Franciscan priests used the colorful leaves and bracts to adorn extravagant nativity scenes.
Who started the American tradition of poinsettia at Christmas?
Joel Roberts Poinsett
was a man of many talents. He was not only the first person to introduce the poinsettia to the United States, but he was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, and was also a skilled and passionate botanist who co-founded the institution that we now call the Smithsonian Institute.
What is the legend of the poinsettia at Christmas?
From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the ‘Flores de Noche Buena’, or ‘Flowers of the Holy Night’. The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which
led the Wise Men to Jesus
. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ.
Where does the tradition of poinsettias come from?
Poinsettias get their American name from
Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico
, who brought them to the states from Mexico in the early 1800s. They didn’t become traditional holiday decorations until the entrepreneurial Ecke family started promoting them a century later.
When were poinsettias brought to the US?
Poinsettias were first introduced into the United States in
1825
by Joel Robert Poinsett. While serving as the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, he had occasion to visit Taxco and found the plants growing on adjacent hillsides.
What is the lifespan of a poinsettia?
“Home gardeners generally keep their poinsettias
one or two years
. If they’re really dedicated, maybe a little longer. But the life span for interior plants when you live in the North is measured in months, not years.”
What does a white poinsettia mean?
What Do White Poinsettias Mean? White poinsettias were once considered to be symbols of purity by the Aztecs, but now
it’s now the flower for December birthdays
. The poinsettia is also said to be a symbol of good cheer, success, and bring with them wishes of happiness and celebrations.
What is the main idea of the legend of the poinsettia?
The association of the poinsettia with Christmas dates back to the 16th century with the legend of
a young girl who was too poor to provide baby Jesus with a gift celebrating his birthday
.
What does poinsettia plant symbolize?
What is the meaning of poinsettias? … While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today’s language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize
good cheer and success
and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.
What flower represents Christmas?
Poinsettia
There’s no Christmas plant more iconic than the Poinsettia.
Are poinsettias only for Christmas?
It also is significant that the poinsettia
not only is the most popular Christmas plant
but also is the No. 1 flowering potted plant in the United States. Despite its short selling period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it has far outdistanced the second-place chrysanthemum and third-place zonal geranium.
Do white poinsettias turn red?
Many people wonder what makes poinsettias turn red. It is actually the plant’s leaves that provide its color through a process called photoperiodism. This process, in response to certain amounts of light or lack thereof, turns the
leaves from green to red
(or pink, white, and other shade variations).
What is the Spanish word for poinsettias?
In Mexico, the poinsettia is known as
Flor de Nochebuena
, or Christmas Eve Flower. You may also see it written as La Flor de la Nochebuena, which means Flower of Christmas Eve. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it’s known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower.
Who is the premier breeder of poinsettias in the United States?
The following information is provided by
Ecke Ranch
, the premier poinsettia breeder and propagator in the world.
Are poinsettia plants are poisonous to humans?
Poinsettia plants are less toxic than once believed
. In most cases, poinsettia exposure causes only discomfort, including: A mild, itchy rash. Skin contact with the sap of a poinsettia plant can cause a rash.
How do I save my poinsettia for next year?
After all the leaves have fallen, store the plant, in its pot, in a cool (50 to 60°F), dry, dark area.
Keep the plant somewhat on the dry side
; water only enough to keep the stems from withering.
