Table of Contents
No flower says Christmas like the beautiful poinsettia. Learn a few facts about this traditional Christmas plant. Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbiaceae or Spurge family. Botanically, the plant is known as Euphorbia pulcherrima.
What is the red Christmas plant called?
The Christmas Poinsettia: The poinsettia is the most popular indoor Christmas plant. Its association with the Christmas season is because it blooms at this time of year in its native region.
What is popular Christmas flower?
Poinsettia – Perhaps the most recognizable flower for Christmas is the poinsettia. Originally sold with bright red and green leaves (the “flowers” are actually leaves on the plant), poinsettias today are sold in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Are poinsettias flowers?
Poinsettias bloom when the days get shorter. The colorful “flowers” of poinsettias are actually modified leaves called “bracts.” Poinsettias grow well in moist soil and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F. They can be grown outdoors during summer.
Are purple poinsettias real?
There are over 100 varieties of Poinsettias available. Though once only available in red, there are now Poinsettias in pink, white, yellow, purple, salmon, and multi-colors.
What are the flowers for December?
December’s Birth Flower: Narcissus & Holly.
What is this Christmas foliage called?
Holly, Ivy and Christmas Plants. Holly, Ivy and other greenery such as Mistletoe were originally used in pre-Christian times to help celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival and ward off evil spirits and to celebrate new growth.
What are types of Christmas plants?
Merry and Bright: 8 Jolly Christmas Plants Holly. European holly. Poinsettia. poinsettia. Douglas fir. Douglas fir with cones. Christmas cactus. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). Mistletoe. European mistletoe. Norway spruce. Norway spruce: cones. Christmas rose. Christmas rose. Cedar. Western red cedar.
What do poinsettias symbolize?
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.
Is a poinsettia a cactus?
Though often stated to be highly toxic, the poinsettia is not dangerous to pets or children. Exposure to the plant, even consumption, most often results in no effect, though it can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Poinsettia Clade: Rosids Order: Malpighiales Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Euphorbia.
Why are poinsettias 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).
Why do poinsettias have milk?
As a member of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae) poinsettias have a milky sap. This latex helps conserve moisture within the plant and deters animals and insects from eating the plant, since the latex is bitter and toxic if eaten in large doses. If your potted poinsettia bleeds white sap, it has sustained an injury.
How long do poinsettia plants last?
If cared for properly, a potted poinsettia can last for 2 to 3 months in your home. However, some home gardeners with a particularly green thumb may enjoy the challenge of caring for a poinsettia long after Christmas in hopes of a second bloom next holiday.
Do poinsettias need sunshine?
Poinsettias need six hours of light daily (fluorescent light will work). Keep your plant away from cold windows, warm or cold drafts from furnaces or air conditioners, and open doors and windows.
What is a December baby called?
They are either Sagittarius or Capricorn. Those born through December 21 are Sagittarius, while those born after December 22 are Capricorns. Sagittarians are known to be extremely generous, idealistic, and downright hilarious.
What is a Capricorn flower?
The Capricorn is just like their birth flower, the carnation: they can be bold on the outside. But Capricorns also have a softer personality under their bright exterior. Capricorns are traditional, so giving them a gift such as a carnation bouquet would add colour to their day.
What flower is Sagittarius?
Flower: Carnation Like a carnation, those born under the sign of Sagittarius are strong, yet beautiful. With Sagittarius’ being known for their love of love, it makes sense that these zodiac flowers are paired with one of the most commonly chosen wedding flowers!Sep 9, 2021.
What is holly leaf?
Hollies (Ilex spp.) are shrubs or small trees that grow in temperate zones around the world. The most identifiable hollies are sometime referred to as the blue or Christmas hollies, with their glossy, dark green leaves with sharp spines along the edge. Only females produce red to yellow berries.
What is a Christmas mistletoe?
Mistletoe is a plant that grows on range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. The tradition of hanging it in the house supposedly goes back to the times of the ancient Druids; however, there’s little evidence that this happened.
What is Ivy Christmas?
Holly and ivy are two more evergreen plants that are closely associated with the festivities. Holly, ivy and other greenery were also used during winter solstice celebrations to ward off evil spirits and celebrate new growth. In pagan times, holly was thought to be the male plant and ivy the female.
Are poinsettias poinsettias?
Some say poinsetta and some say poinsettia. In both cases, either pronunciation is acceptable. This traditional holiday houseplant, a native of Mexico, is named for Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico (circa 1820).
What is Santa Claus called in England?
21st century According to Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (19th edn, 2012), Father Christmas is considered to be “[a] British rather than a US name for Santa Claus, associating him specifically with Christmas.