Poinsettias are native to Central America, specifically the southern regions of Mexico. The plant was highly valued by the Aztecs, who called it Cuetlaxochitl. They used the vibrant red bracts to create dye and the sap for medicinal purposes. The poinsettia’s association with Christmas began in the 16th century, in Mexico, where a legend tells of a poor girl who could only offer weeds to Jesus on Christmas Eve. As the story goes, the humble gift blossomed into the bright red flowers of a poinsettia.
The plant’s journey to the United States is credited to Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico and an amateur botanist. In 1828, Poinsett introduced the plant to America, where it gained his name as “poinsettia.”
Its colorful bracts, which are often mistaken for flower petals. These bracts are modified leaves that change color in response to the plant’s photoperiod (exposure to light and darkness). The actual flowers are the small yellow or greenish structures found in the center of the bracts, called cyathia. While the classic poinsettia is known for its bright red bracts, there are many cultivars that come in colors such as white, pink, marbled, and even speckled. This range has been developed through extensive cultivation and breeding.
Poinsettias thrive in warm climates and require specific care to maintain their color and health. They need well-draining soil, moderate watering (letting the soil dry out between waterings), and plenty of bright, indirect light. If properly maintained, they can be kept year-round, though coaxing them into re-blooming can be challenging without precise control of light exposure.
There is a widespread belief that poinsettias are highly toxic to pets and humans, but this is largely exaggerated. While their sap can cause mild skin irritation or an upset stomach if ingested in large quantities, they are not fatally poisonous.
Types of Poinsettia
Classic Red Poinsettia
- Color: Vivid red bracts with dark green foliage.
- Characteristics: This is the most traditional variety, popular during the Christmas season. The bright red bracts contrast beautifully with the green leaves.
- Usage: Often used in holiday décor and gift-giving.
White Poinsettia
- Color: Creamy white or ivory bracts.
- Characteristics: Provides a softer, elegant look compared to the traditional red. These are perfect for minimalist or modern holiday decorations.
- Notable Varieties: ‘Alaska’ and ‘Polar Bear’ are common white poinsettia types.
Pink Poinsettia
- Color: Light to vibrant shades of pink.
- Characteristics: These poinsettias add a delicate, romantic touch to holiday displays. They can range from soft, pastel pinks to more vibrant, bubblegum shades.
- Varieties: ‘Monet’ is a popular cultivar known for its soft pink color with white speckles.
Marble Poinsettia
- Color: Bracts have a marbled pattern with pink centers and cream or white edges.
- Characteristics: Unique and striking, this type is known for its variegated appearance that brings an artistic flair to holiday arrangements.
- Varieties: ‘Marble Star’ is a well-known type with these characteristics.
Jingle Bells Poinsettia
- Color: Red bracts with white or cream-colored speckles.
- Characteristics: The speckled pattern resembles a splash of paint, giving it a playful and festive look.
- Notable Traits: Great for those who want a twist on the traditional red poinsettia.
Peppermint Poinsettia
- Color: White bracts with pink or red splashes.
- Characteristics: The contrast of pink or red speckles on a white background creates a unique “peppermint candy” effect.
- Varieties: ‘Sparkling Punch’ is a popular example.
Orange Poinsettia
- Color: Warm shades of orange or coral.
- Characteristics: Rare and less commonly seen, these poinsettias add a warm, vibrant tone to holiday arrangements. They are perfect for those looking for something out of the ordinary.
- Usage: Suitable for fall decorations as well as non-traditional holiday themes.
Burgundy Poinsettia
- Color: Deep, rich burgundy or wine-colored bracts.
- Characteristics: This type exudes sophistication and pairs well with neutral and metallic holiday themes. It stands out due to its darker hue.
- Notable Varieties: ‘Cortez Burgundy’ is a common example.
Yellow Poinsettia
- Color: Soft, pale yellow to golden bracts.
- Characteristics: This type offers a warm, sunny look that can be used to create a cheerful atmosphere. While not as common, they provide a unique touch to any holiday display.
- Varieties: ‘Golden Glo’ is a notable type with this coloration.
Princettia Poinsettia
- Color: Available in shades of pink, white, and other colors.
- Characteristics: These are a separate series known for their compact growth and more delicate bracts. The Princettia series is bred for longer-lasting color and improved branching.
- Unique Traits: Ideal for table centerpieces and smaller spaces.
Winter Rose Poinsettia
- Color: Available in red, pink, white, and more.
- Characteristics: This type has ruffled bracts that resemble rose petals, creating a distinctive, textured appearance. They add an extra layer of elegance to holiday displays.
- Special Note: The unusual bract shape makes it popular for creative decorating.
Carousel Poinsettia
- Color: Typically red or pink with wavy, curled bracts.
- Characteristics: Known for their unique, frilly bracts that create a striking visual effect. The wavy appearance of the bracts makes this type stand out from the more classic varieties.
- Decorative Appeal: Perfect for those who want to make a statement with their holiday plants.
Ice Punch Poinsettia
- Color: Red bracts with a frosty white center.
- Characteristics: This variety has a unique gradient effect that makes the bracts look as if they were touched by frost. It adds an eye-catching and wintery feel to holiday displays.
- Visual Appeal: Great for adding a modern twist to traditional décor.
Monet Twilight Poinsettia
- Color: Soft pink with cream or light green speckles.
- Characteristics: Named for its resemblance to an impressionist painting, the Monet Twilight poinsettia features a delicate blend of colors that give it a subtle, artistic appearance.
- Special Feature: Perfect for adding a gentle, romantic touch to arrangements.
Da Vinci Poinsettia
- Color: Soft pink bracts with red or darker pink flecks.
- Characteristics: Named after the famous artist, this poinsettia has an elegant, mottled pattern that gives it a painterly look. It’s a popular choice for those who appreciate a more nuanced appearance.
- Decorative Use: Often featured in artistic holiday settings.
Sonora White Glitter Poinsettia
- Color: Red bracts with prominent white speckles.
- Characteristics: The contrasting red and white pattern creates a striking effect, making this variety stand out. It resembles snowfall on red petals.
- Festive Appeal: Ideal for those looking for a standout holiday plant with a classic red base.
Glitter Poinsettia
- Color: Varying bract colors with speckled, glitter-like white or cream patterns.
- Characteristics: Different from the Sonora White Glitter, this type includes various color bases such as pink or burgundy with speckled white, giving a more versatile range.
- Notable Varieties: ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ is part of this glittering group.
Autumn Leaves Poinsettia
- Color: Golden yellow with hints of orange and copper.
- Characteristics: This type looks more like a fall flower than a winter one, making it perfect for transitional displays from fall to winter. The warm hues can complement Thanksgiving and early holiday settings.
- Special Usage: Great for combining with pumpkins and autumnal decorations.
Tapestry Poinsettia
- Color: Red bracts with variegated green and yellow leaves.
- Characteristics: The variegated leaves add an additional layer of interest beyond the colorful bracts. This type is known for its multicolored foliage that pairs well with its vibrant bracts.
- Decorative Style: Adds an ornamental touch to classic holiday displays.
Strawberries and Cream Poinsettia
- Color: Light pink bracts with cream-colored marbling.
- Characteristics: The combination of soft pink and cream creates a delicate, almost dessert-like appearance. It’s a charming alternative to the bolder pink varieties.
- Best For: Elegant, understated holiday décor.
Cortez Series Poinsettia
- Color: Available in deep reds, burgundy, and orange shades.
- Characteristics: Known for their rich, deep colors and robust growth habit. The Cortez series includes striking shades like Cortez Burgundy, which adds an opulent feel.
- Special Note: Great for those who prefer darker, more luxurious tones.
Premium Picasso Poinsettia
- Color: Cream bracts with dark pink to red speckles and marbling.
- Characteristics: This variety features a splashy pattern that resembles brush strokes, adding an artistic vibe to any display.
- Uniqueness: The bold contrast of cream and dark pink/red makes it a statement piece.
Sparkling Punch Poinsettia
- Color: Light pink bracts with a gradient effect and darker center.
- Characteristics: The light pink coloration with a splash of a deeper hue in the center gives it a lively appearance. This variety is perfect for adding some brightness and cheer.
- Ideal For: More playful and whimsical holiday themes.
Prestige Red Poinsettia
- Color: Intense, rich red bracts.
- Characteristics: One of the most popular and widely grown types due to its large, bold bracts and uniform growth. It’s known for its vibrant color and strong stems.
- Usage: A top choice for traditional holiday décor and large displays.
Marble Star Poinsettia
- Color: Pinkish bracts with creamy white marbling.
- Characteristics: This variation is known for its symmetrical marbled pattern, creating a unique look that pairs well with both traditional and contemporary holiday settings.
- Special Traits: Works well in mixed poinsettia arrangements.
Christmas Beauty Poinsettia
- Color: Bright red or white varieties.
- Characteristics: This type is bred for its superior color retention and large, uniform bracts. The Christmas Beauty series includes vibrant shades perfect for any holiday arrangement.
- Notable Variety: ‘Christmas Beauty Red’ is especially popular for its intense, festive color.