Poinsettia Day

Poinsettia Day is by everyone who cannot imagine a Christmas season without the beautiful flower! Grown in winter, it is known for its bright, festive colors, making it a symbol of Christmas. The tradition of celebrating the holiday originated in the United States but has since spread to Europe.

History

Poinsettia Day is a celebration of Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American statesman and botanist who played a key role in the emergence of the flower in the US. December 12th is the day he died. Poinsett was the United States Secretary of War and Ambassador to Mexico. Few at the time knew of his interest in botany, and in 1828, he discovered an unusual shrub near Mexico City and took cuttings of it back to South Carolina.

The holiday is also dedicated to Paul Ecke, a German gardener who emigrated to the US and began growing the flower in his garden. When the holiday season came around, he began selling beautiful bouquets at a high price, making them accessible to only a few. His son suggested selling the flowers in Hollywood, and the flower gained popularity quickly.

Interesting Facts

• Ecke created a company supplying 80% of the flowers to the world market.
• Initially, cultivation technologies were kept in the strictest confidence.
• The presence of a flower on the table promises joy, love, and happiness.
• Poinsettia plants come in colors other than red, including pink, yellow, white, and even green.
• The flower is not poisonous, but should not be left near animals as it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and indigestion.
• To keep the flower in a vase for a longer period of time, prepare a mixture of a quarter teaspoon of ordinary bleach, one full teaspoon of sugar, and 2 cups of water. This will help slow down the rotting process and give strength to the stems.

How to Take Part

On Poinsettia Day, visit your local botanical gardens and enjoy the beauty of the plants! Invite friends to share the experience with you. Look at photos of designers and home decorators who have incorporated the flower into their home styles and try it out for yourself!

When is Poinsettia Day in 2024?

Poinsettia Day is observed on December 12 each year.

Observations