Nothing says Christmas like the Poinsettia plant. Today we celebrate its introduction to our holiday décor. But HOW did this native plant of Mexico become our national Christmas plant?
Poinsettias - Photo by Lizzie Danich
It all starts with the first United States Minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett. While not the greatest guy in the world, remember this was in the early to mid 1800’s, as an amateur botanist he fell in love with this unique shrub and sent samples back to the United States. His efforts helped lead to the popularity and today, the date of his death, is “set aside” to honor his impact.
That impact generates over $200 million annually to the horticulture industry. But the real story, in my humble opinion, is this folktale:
Mexican legend holds that the leaves, shaped like the star of Bethlehem, first
bloomed red for a poor girl who wanted to bring a gift to the manger scene at the
local church but had no money. Her cousin, who walked to the church with her, said
“even the most humble gift, if given in love, would be acceptable to Jesus”. So the
girl picked the weed and when she laid it at the altar it turned a beautiful bright red.
And so the red flowers were called “Flores de Noche Buena” or “Flowers of the Holy
Night”. The red thought to be the blood of Jesus.
There are numerous cultivars of poinsettia plants but the traditional red remains the most popular. In Mexico, it can grow 12 to 15 ft. tall and is much more like a shrub!
Poinsettia in Mexico
I have to share the link to Gertens Poinsettias, they really are amazing. And of course, “The Scoop” on caring for all those holiday plants! Here’s a peek at just a couple of cultivars:
'Red Glitter' - Photo by Lizzie Danich
'Marble' - Photo by Lizzie Danich
PS, the dyed ones you see are white poinsettias. A plant dye is used to paint them. Oh and those colorful “flowers” aren’t. They are bracts or modified leaves. The actual flowers are those tiny yellow “cyathia” in the center.
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 love, purity, good cheer and celebration.
Here’s to beautiful plants, wonderful legends and a Merry Christmas to all,
