The holidays in California wouldn’t be the same without the bright colors of the poinsettia plant. As we approach National Poinsettia Day on December 12, we’re reminded of how this beautiful flower has become an integral part of making sunny Southern California feel festive this time of year. Here are some fun and useful facts about one of our favorite seasonal plants. 

Originating from Mexico, the poinsettia is the best-selling potted plant in both the United States and Canada. While red is the most popular color, you may be surprised to learn there are at least 100 varieties of poinsettias including white, pink, burgundy, yellow, apricot, marbled, and speckled.

When picking your perfect poinsettia, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Don’t pick plants with fallen or yellowed leaves. Try to find a plant that’s full and balanced and has not been crowded in a display. It’s also important to check their stems and make sure they’re not drooping or wilting. Be sure to also look out for insect damage, as this can be detrimental to the lifespan of the flower.

Once you’ve selected your poinsettia, try to keep your plant in an environment that’s around 55 to 70 degrees and gets plenty of sunlight. Poinsettias are drought-tolerant and easy to care for, however, they do prefer moist soil. With good care, a healthy plant should last around six to eight weeks.

Did you know, contrary to popular opinion, poinsettias are actually not poisonous? It is however a good idea to keep them away from pets because they can still cause stomach upset and vomiting.

At Mission Landscape, we are the experts in commercial landscape maintenance, tree care, water management, mulch and green waste recycling, landscape architecture, and landscape construction. We serve a multitude of areas in California including: Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Sacramento County, and Imperial County.