Well wrapped or as part of a creative arrangement, poinsettias makes beautiful gifts at this time of year, especially when you’re visiting friends and family for Christmas drinks and nibbles.
Also known as the Christmas Star, a poinsettia is so much more than an ordinary houseplant. With its vibrant bracts in colours that range from traditional red to Scandi-chic yellow or white, from hot Barbie pink to on-trend variegated leaves, these winter blooming plants bring joy to the darkest months. Dr Susanne Lux, the styling expert at Stars for Europe UK (SfE), shares poinsettia gift ideas to suit all tastes this season.
With their large, magnificent bracts, poinsettias make fantastic cut flowers. The gorgeous bouquet pictured top combines red and pink cut poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) with bouvardia (Bouvardia cultivar), scarlet plume (Euphorbia fulgens), nerines (Nerine bowdenii), Virginian rosehips (Rosa virginiana) and silver dollar eucalyptus foliage (Eucalyptus polyanthemos), coral winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo). Tip: Cut poinsettias will stay fresh for up to two weeks if, immediately after cutting, you first immerse the cut ends in hot water (approx. 60°C) for a few seconds, then straight into cold water.
Are Poinsettias evolving?
For some people, the traditional reputation of poinsettias is off-putting, so they may not have realised that these spectacular natives of Mexico are now available in a wide array of colours. For those in the know, poinsettias in unusual shades are particularly popular at the start of the season. With soft colour gradients of cream and rosé, they add a stylish touch and give winter decorations an elegant and modern touch.
Visit your local garden centre now to pick up the prettiest and most unusual specimens, but remember to ensure they’re wrapped up well in paper that covers the top of the leaves. Poinsettias hate the cold and should be kept at temperatures no lower than 15 degrees, well away from chilly draughts. Try not to spend too long transporting them from shop to home.
Poinsettias are the quintessential Christmas plant. Surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations, their star-shaped bracts brighten rooms in winter and herald the approach of the festive season.
