Philadelphia and the Poinsettia (Photos)

American’s first Poinsettia plant was introduced in 1827 at Bartram Gardens, right here in Philadelphia; and, the first public Poinsettia display was featured at the 1829 Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s Flower Show. The history of the Poinsettia stems right from Philadelphia

The history of poinsettia begins in Mexico where it’s considered a perennial and actually grows similar to shrubs along mountainsides. Poinsettias also grow into 10-foot bushes in the wild. The traditional holiday Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima), also known as Christmas Star or Mexican Flame Leaf flower, is part of the Spurge family and was brought to the United States by Joel Poinsett, US Minister to Mexico, in 1825 in an effort to encourage more interaction between the US and Mexico. The new bright-red Poinsettia was presented to the Bartram Collection by Mr. Poinsett, United States Minister to Mexico. Bartram’s nursery in Philadelphia was then under the care of Robert Carr, a PHS member and exhibitor at the first PHS Flower Show. This Mexican-born plant was first grown successfully here in the US in 1827 by Ann Bartram Carr, John Bartram’s granddaughter, along her husband Robert Carr.

Enough about Poinsettias and the past, it’s all about Poinsettias in the present. If you want to see beautiful Poinsettias in all their glory, Longwood Gardens is the blooming place to be. There are Poinsettias decking the halls and hanging flower baskets dangling from the ceilings that contain 50 plants per basket and each weighting over 100 lbs. There’s also a Christmas tree decorated with 225 Orange Spice Poinsettia. Thousands of rooted cuttings are flown in from California between June and August. In September, Longwood gardeners nurse the standard, single-stem Poinsettias by shading with black shade cloth starting from 6:00 pm until 8:30 am to obtain the precise color. The Longwood Gardens display is now in full bloom.

There are over 100 varieties of poinsettia; and poinsettia growers are shipping thousands of them to nurseries right now; with over 50 million sold each year during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Although the most popular Poinsettia sold is the common red Poinsettia; it’s also available in a variety of colors such as white, pink, plum, red, dark red, and variegated, as well as, a mix of colors on the same plant. Just like the ornamental kale has gone wild; Poinsettias have gone wild too because they are sprayed, dyed, and coated with glitter and metallic accents. These applications are not harmful to the plant and offer unusual Poinsettia colors such as blue, fuchsia, yellow, orange, gold, and silver colored Poinsettias. There are always new varieties and some have multiple bracts, ruffled or contorted bracts. The Ecke Ranch is a well-known grower of many varieties of Poinsettia. Here are some popular and beautiful varieties:

• Ice Punch - Begins with red bracts that turn white as they mature
• Peppermint Twist - A very sophisticated Poinsettia that have bracts that are different on each plant
• Orange Spice – A bright-orange Poinsettia variety that is perfect for the Thanksgiving table
• Avantgarde - Has cream-colored marbling on pink bracts
• Carousel - Available in pink and dark red, has ruffled bracts
• Artic - Boasting pure white bracts and bright green leaves
• Cortez - Rich burgundy bracts

There are two common misconceptions about the Poinsettia. The first myth is that the red leaves are the flower; but actually, the poinsettia’s flower buds (cyathia) are located in the middle of the bright red bracts, which are modified or specialized leaves that are associated with the reproductive part of a plant. The poinsettia’s bracts are the bright red leaves, and are for the purpose of attracting wildlife pollinators. The second myth is that Poinsettias are poisonous to children, as well as, toxic to cats and dogs. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettia plants are not poisonous. Because they are part of the poisonous spurge family, many people think they are, but they’re not. But, they can cause skin irritation for the sensitive gardener. Of course, some people are more sensitive to poinsettia plants than are others. Contact with the sap of a poinsettia plant may cause a mild, itchy rash. If you have an adverse reaction, wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to ease itching. Eating the leaves or stems of a poinsettia plant may cause a mild stomach ache, vomiting or diarrhea, but severe signs and symptoms are unlikely. In case of a severe reaction, seek prompt medical attention.

Poinsettias can live for years and are easy to take care of. They will also flourish well into spring if they have medium to bright light, by placing it in indirect sunlight for approximately six hours a day; but never place in full sun. They also need to be kept in cooler temperatures such as 65-70 during the day and 55-60 at night. They will drop their leaves if they are left in temperatures below 50 degrees or above 75 degrees. Remember to keep them from touching the cold window; and place them away from drafty windows or heaters and vents. Poinsettias like humidity and can be misted; and they need moist, not wet, soil. Water is the biggest culprit in killing poinsettia. Only water when the plant feels dry to the touch; and only water until the water begins to drain from the drain holes in the bottom of the pot. Never let it stand in water or it will rot. Fertilizing with a liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) will keep it flourishing.

A holiday without the Poinsettia is like a winter without snow. These plants are great gifts, easy to grow and provides color during the entire winter season and beyond. Happy Holidays!

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