Flowering Facts: about Poinsettias

1. Did you know that the poinsettia’s main attraction is not its flowers but its leaves? The actual flower is the tiny yellow bud in the center of the plant.
2. Red is the most popular color, followed by white and pink. Poinsettias also come in a variety of colors from salmon, apricot, yellow and cream. There are also unusual speckled or marbled varieties.
3. The United States grows poinsettias commercially, however, California is the top producer with about 27 million pots grown, followed by Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, and Michigan.
4. Did you know that in the wild, the poinsettia can reach heights of 12 feet with leaves measuring six to eight inches across?
5. The Aztecs called poinsettias “Cuelaxochitle.”   During the 14^th – 16^th century the Azetcs used the poinsettia leaves to dye fabric on clothing and the sap was used for medical purposes, including helping to control fevers. They also considered the red color a symbol of purity, so poinsettias were traditionally a part of religious ceremonies.
6. December 12 is National Poinsettia Day as declared by congress to honor US Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Robert Poinsett, who first brought the plant back to the United States.  The United States has observed this official day since the mid-1800s.
7. Poinsettias are also known as the “Mexican Flame Leaf” or “The Christmas Star.”
8. How to prolong the life of this Christmas plant? Avoid hot or cold drafts, keep the soil moist not soggy, and place in a room with sufficient natural light. Only water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
9. During April and May the poinsettia are actually green all over. It’s not until the shorter days of winter that the upper leaves turn red.
10. The botanical name, Euphorbia Pulcherrima was given to the poinsettia by a German botanist, Wilenow.  The plant grew through a crack of his greenhouse, he was so amazed by its color, he gave it the botanical name, Euphorbia Pulcherrima meaning “Very Beautiful.”

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It’s beginning to look a lot like…a flowerful holiday season in South Florida

We’ve started decking the halls, walls, and just about every spot in between with fresh flowers for the holidays. Poinsettias aplenty, and lots of ideas for you to bring flowers and sparkle into your Hanukkah and Christmas decorating. Here are few slides from the Davie flower market.

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You can call, click or come in to one of our Field of Flowers flower markets in Boca Raton, Miami or Davie, FL for your holiday flowers and decorations. In store…or we deliver flowers throughout South Florida.

Have you heard the old rumor about poinsettias being toxic?

If you have purchased, are planning to purchase, or received a poinsettia you will be relieved by this recent article in the Miami Herald.

Researchers Debunk Poinsettia Myth

“Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not toxic to people or animals….The supposed toxicity of poinsettias has been a subject of warnings as long as the red and white flowers have been associated with the Christmas holiday, but numerous reports from poison control centers do not support the warnings, according to Dr. Rachel C. Vreeman and Dr. Aaron E. Carrol of the Indiana University School of Medicine… They reviewed nearly 900 calls to such centers reporting poinsettia consumption and found that none of the incidents resulted in serious illness and few even produced any symptoms.”

Thanks for reading…   www.fieldofflowers.com   1.800.963.7374   (1.800.96FRESH)