Not just for silver surfers, these exotic seasonal plants can be embraced by young and old alike. While prevalent for centuries across society in their native Mexico and Guatemala, the poinsettia’s long association with Christmas tradition has tended to appeal more to an older consumer demographic in Europe. As Poinsettia Day approaches on 12th December, the experts at Stars for Europe take a look at how this nostalgic festive favorite has become a modern classic.
For many people on the continent and in the UK or Ireland, poinsettias are reminiscent of the 70s, but they have once again caught the eye of fashion-focused consumers who want to infuse their home interiors with a festive feel. Whether it’s mid-century style, cottagecore romance, Scandi chic, or clean, contemporary elegance, poinsettias can enhance festive décor like no other plant.
This special date commemorates Joel Roberts Poinsett, who played a significant role in making poinsettias the world’s favorite festive plant before his death on 12th December 1851. Poinsett was a US ambassador who served in Mexico, and he brought the decorative plant back to the USA with him. In 1852, the US Congress declared the anniversary of his death “Poinsettia Day.” Over time, the tradition of giving a poinsettia as a gift to a loved one on 12th December became established in the USA.
This tradition has become a staple ingredient of winter festivities in the UK and mainland Europe. Whether as a token of affection, dinner party gift, or a pretty self-purchase with the feel-good factor, a poinsettia is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas without breaking the bank. Buying poinsettias also enables us to support valued local horticultural businesses, garden centers, and florists outside the spring season when they typically sell the most plants.
As poinsettias become ever more embedded into the Spirit of Christmas, skillful plant breeding and selection have resulted in a breathtaking variety of colors and sizes, variegated leaves, and differently shaped bracts. These vibrant plants are also incredibly versatile, serving their purpose equally well as standalone plants, cut flowers, or intricate floral arrangements.
Poinsettias come in almost every style you can think of, from mini hot-pink poinsettias to tall-stemmed topiary plants in luxurious creamy white and Santa’s favorite crimson red. While traditional red poinsettias are still the runaway favorites worldwide, the flourishing of other colors is good news for younger generations with more contemporary tastes.
With such a broad color palette now available, versatile poinsettias not only bring the warmth and comfort of established tradition but can now deliver an eclectic modern twist to any home setting. Whether you’re trying to achieve an urban jungle, boho-chic style, or a clean and airy contemporary vibe, poinsettias can help you create the look.
The more autumnal shades of orange, salmon, peach, or yellow that are now available also extend the poinsettia season well past the traditional advent into October and November. These exotic plants are also easier to keep alive than is generally assumed, providing they’re given the proper care. This includes keeping them at an optimum temperature of 15-22 degrees in soft-filtered light, providing protection from cold draughts, light watering, and regular misting in dry environments.
Crafty Christmas
Crafting and DIY are hobbies of choice for millions of Brits, and Stars for Europe is full of ideas to inspire craft enthusiasts who are seeking homespun ways to unwind during the Christmas break.
In this elegant Scandi-style arrangement, cut cream poinsettias rival the candle in brilliance. This artistic design, with its warm autumnal tones, takes very little skill to make.
You will need a bowl, chicken wire, floral tape, high-strength glue, a candle, a short piece of plastic pipe, poinsettias, kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii), winterberry (Ilex verticillata), wild asparagus (Asparagus acutifolius), eucalyptus pods (Eucalyptus robusta), James Storie orchids (Aranthera James Storie), and kiwi vines (Actinidia deliciosa).
Step 1: Stick the plastic tube to the bottom of the bowl using the glue.
Step 2: Cut a length of chicken wire to roughly the diameter of the bowl, scrunch it up and place it inside the bowl, around the section of pipe and fix it in place, using floral tape placed over the edge of the bowl.
Step 3: Insert the cut poinsettias and the other florals close together into the chicken wire. Finally, place the candle into the plastic tube and add water to the bowl. Tip: Cut poinsettias will last for up to two weeks if you immerse the cut stem end in hot water (approx. 60°C) for a few seconds immediately after cutting and then in cold water, then place the cut flower in fresh water.
Wreaths are everywhere during Advent and Christmas, and the great thing about poinsettias is that they can transform even the simplest versions into beautiful, festive focal points. For this fabulous, natural, modern wall wreath, you’ll need a poinsettia, a metal wreath ring, wild clematis vine (Old Man’s Beard vine), spruce cones, twist wire, paper-covered binding wire and a drill.
How to do it: with the help of the drill and hook attachment, attach vines to the design ring with twists of binding wire. Then gradually weave in more and more vines until the bottom half of the wreath is wide enough to fit a planter inside. The top half of the wreath may be much narrower.
Then with paper-covered binding wire attach the cones and hang the wreath on the wall. Finally, gently place the poinsettia and planter in the densely woven vine.
Whether as a gift or table decoration, a bowl filled with cut poinsettias, a candle, baubles, and gilded leaves is sure to create a festive atmosphere. This elegant arrangement is quick and easy to assemble:
Water some fresh flower foam and place it in the bowl. Wire the candle and insert it into the foam together with gilded leaves and cut poinsettias. Finally, finish off the arrangement with Christmas baubles. Tip: Immediately after cutting, dip the poinsettia stems in hot water (approx. 60°C) for a few seconds and then in cold water. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks in moist foam.