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The poinsettia flower is native to Central America – specifically, an area in southern Mexico called “Taxco del Alarcon” – and the plants were used by the ancient Aztecs to make a purple dye for clothing and cosmetics. They also used the poinsettias’ milky white sap wax to create a medicine to treat fevers.
What is the story behind the poinsettia?
A Mexican legend tells of a girl who could only offer weeds as a gift to Jesus on Christmas Eve. When she brought the weeds into a church, they blossomed into the beautiful red plants we know as poinsettias, known as Flores de Noche Buena in Mexico (Spanish for “flowers of the holy night”).
Is a poinsettia a Mexican plant?
Native to Mexico, the plant is called Flor de la Noche Buena (Flower of the Holy Night) due to its resemblance to the Star of Bethlehem. In their native region of southern Mexico, poinsettias flower during the winter season.
Do poinsettias have a spiritual meaning?
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.
Who brought poinsettia to the United States?
Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the poinsettia plant to the United States from Mexico. Poinsett was a botanist, physician and the first United States Ambassador to Mexico.
When did poinsettias originate?
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.
What is the poinsettia called in Central America?
Poinsettias: The Christmas Eve Flower. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it’s known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower.
When did the poinsettia come to the United States?
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 life expectancy of a poinsettia plant?
“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.”.
Are poinsettias a Catholic thing?
The Catholic Church tried to ban the poinsettia at the time of the Spanish conquest of Mexico, considering it a pagan plant because the Aztecs worshipped it as a symbol of purity. The Church eventually reconciled with it, though, and it’s now called flor de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve flower) in Mexico.
How long does a poinsettia 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.
What are poinsettias called in Italy?
We are talking about the Poinsettia, better known to everyone in Italy as the Stella di Natale or Christmas Star.
What country is the poinsettia with its red and green foliage native to?
Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays.
Are poinsettias native to Hawaii?
The Hawaiian word for the poinsettia plant is Pua Kalikimaka, litterally meaning, “Christmas flower.” Its common name is Zach Wood or noche buena, revealing its indigenous Mexico and Central American origins. It was brought to Hawaii not long after.
Why poinsettia is known as Christmas flower?
The reason we associate poinsettias with the holidays comes from an old Mexican legend. A young girl named Pepita was sad that she didn’t have a gift to leave for the baby Jesus at Christmas Eve services. From that day on, they became known as “Flores de Noche Buena,” or “Flowers of the Holy Night.”.
Can you plant poinsettias outside?
Poinsettias aren’t popular only at Christmas time. With the right care, these traditional holiday plants can shed their shiny foil and bows to become long-lasting houseplants. You can also grow them outdoors in your garden if you live in a frost-free area.
Where do poinsettias grow best?
Plant them in a sunny, well-drained location protected from north winds and frost. The south side of a house or wall is usually a good spot. Make sure the location receives no artificial light at night from flood lights, street lights or porch lights, as this can prevent poinsettias from blooming properly.
Which state grows the most poinsettias?
The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the South Carolina congressman credited with bringing the poinsettia to the United States from Mexico. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure recognizing National Poinsettia Day in 2002. California is the top poinsettia-producing state.
What do you do with poinsettias after Christmas?
Place your poinsettias where they will receive at least 6 hours of indirect, but bright, sunlight each day. In mid-April pinch back the stems to 6-8 inches and place the plants in a sunny location. When new growth begins, you may use a liquid fertilizer to ensure the plants get enough minerals, especially calcium.
Do poinsettias rebloom?
Teaches Gardening. Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant. With proper care, the festive plants can rebloom the following year.
Will my poinsettia turn red again?
Restoring a healthy green Poinsettia plant from last year back to its original red color is no problem if you follow a few simple rules. The bracts will start to turn color in about four weeks, and continue if you carefully keep up the process.
Are Christmas trees religious?
Christmas trees and menorahs are considered “holiday symbols,” meaning secular. On the other hand, Nativity scenes and the Ten Commandments denote religious symbolism. Even though Christmas trees once carried religious connotations, the Supreme Court found that a Christmas tree, by itself, is not a religious symbol.
