Poinsettia
Common Names: Poinsettia, Christmas Star, Mexican Flame Leaf
Botanical names: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Availability: Fall and Winter
Vase life: 5 to 7 days
Storage temperatures: 50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Poinsettias are chill sensitive.
Ethylene Sensitive: Yes
Description: What is perceived as poinsettia flowers are actually bracts, which are modified leaves below the actual flowers. The bracts are vibrant and colorful. The true flowers, called cyathia, are the small yellow or green structures nestled at the center of the bracts.
Color: Showy red, white, pink, cream or bicolored bracts. The actual flowers are small, mostly yellow with some red in the center of the bracts.
Botanical facts: The specific epithet name “pulcherrima” means very handsome. Named after Euphorbus, the physician to the king of Mauritania, Juba. In addition to the many ornamental species in this family, others yield rubber, edible fruits and roots and have valuable medicinal properties.
Design notes: Poinsettias are a stunning and versatile design element in floral arrangements, bringing festive color, texture, and symbolism to holiday displays. The large, colorful bracts of poinsettias naturally draw the eye, making them a perfect focal area.
Purchasing hints: Purchase potted poinsettias with healthy foliage and vibrant undamaged bracts. Then process the individual stems as cut flowers as needed.
Conditioning: After cutting the poinsettia stems, the milky sap (latex) that oozes out can block water uptake. To prevent this singe the ends of the stems with a flame for a few seconds or dip the cut ends of the stems in hot water (about 140°F) for 20-30 seconds.
Additional notes: Modern day poinsettia production began in southern California in about 1909 when the Ecke family grew them as cut flowers.