Different Types of Poinsettia Plants to Brighten Up Your Holidays

Poinsettias are a holiday must-have. Their bright red and green colors let you know that Christmas is coming up. Did you know that there are more than 100 different kinds of poinsettia plants? They don’t just come in red; they come in a rainbow of colors and styles that can make your holiday decorations stand out.

In this article, we’ll explore the wide world of poinsettia plants so you can find new varieties to brighten up your home for the holidays

A Brief History of Poinsettias

The poinsettia comes from Mexico, where it grows into a big bush. The Aztecs used the plant to make dyes and as medicine. The flowers were first used by Franciscan priests in Mexico for Christmas celebrations in the 1600s.

The first U.S. florist, Joel Roberts Poinsett, brought the poinsettia to the country in 1825. S. Ambassador to Mexico. It was a natural Christmas plant because of its bright red and green color. At first, there was only the red variety, but plant breeders have since made over 100 cultivars in colors like pink, white, yellow, and more.

While in Mexico poinsettias can grow into 12-15 foot shrubs, breeders have created compact varieties more suitable for indoor use. Through selective breeding, they’ve also prolonged the life of the colored bracts that surround the actual flowers.

Poinsettia Color Meanings

Beyond Christmas, poinsettias are said to symbolize:

• Red – Good cheer, celebration

• White – Purity, innocence

• Pink – Good health, happiness

• Yellow/Gold – Wealth, prosperity

• Marbled – Beautiful in their uniqueness

When to Find Poinsettias

Poinsettias are associated with Christmas, but when can you actually find them in stores? Here’s a quick guide:

• Early season: Available in stores from October-November. Good for Thanksgiving or fall decor. Examples: Princettia Red, Peppermint Ruffles.

• Mid season: Available in November-December. Examples: Classic Red, Mars Marble.

• Late season: Available in December. Examples: Christmas Beauty Princess, Winter Rose Early Red.

No matter when you purchase them, poinsettias generally last 6-8 weeks indoors. With proper care, some can even last till spring!

23 Different Types of Poinsettia Plants

Ready to go beyond the traditional red poinsettia? Here are 23 stunning poinsettia varieties that are sure to upgrade your holiday decor.

Reds

Prestige Red – The classic bright red poinsettia. Large, oak-shaped red bracts.

Viking Red – Deep crimson red bracts. Dark green leaves. Excellent cold tolerance.

Solar Red – Bright scarlet red bracts in various shapes and sizes.

Whites

Princettia Pure White – Pure white bracts with no cream/yellow hues. Green veined leaves.

Freedom White – Large, creamy white bracts atop dark green leaves.

White Wonder – Bright snowy white bracts ideal for cooler climates.

Pinks

Princettia Dark Pink – Vibrant pink bracts with white margins. Continuous blooms.

J’adore Pink – Bright pink bracts reminiscent of flowers. Rounded shape.

Visions of Grandeur – Pale pink and yellow ruffled bracts. Airy, flouncy look.

Yellows

Gold Rush – Deep golden yellow bracts with pink undertones, ideal for fall.

Golden Glo – Bright golden yellow bracts that deepen with maturity. Compact.

Bicolors

Peppermint Ruffles – Ruffled pink and creamy bracts with pink flecks.

Ice Punch – Crimson red bracts with bold white centers. Wavy edges.

Jingle Bells – Cherry red bracts with white spots and splashes.

Special Varieties

Carousel Dark Red – Unique scalloped, velvety dark red bracts.

Green Envy – Chartreuse green bracts, a fun novelty.

Winter Rose Early Red – Curled bracts giving the look of red roses.

Christmas Mouse – Rounded bracts and leaves resembling mouse ears!

Tips for Picking Poinsettias

When selecting your poinsettias, follow these tips for the freshest, longest-lasting blooms:

• Choose plants with tightly clustered yellow buds in the center. Avoid blooms that are shedding pollen.

• Look for crisp, brightly colored bracts without wilting, browning, or falling off.

• Opt for plants in proportionate pots – large plants in small pots dry out fast.

• Inspect leaves for pests like whitefly before purchasing.

• Pick up poinsettias last when Christmas shopping so they stay fresher longer.

Caring for Poinsettias Year-Round

Did you know you can keep poinsettias past the holidays? Follow these tips to extend their beauty:

Holiday Season

• Place in indirect light, away from drafts.

• Water when soil is dry 2″ deep. Don’t let sit in water.

• Keep at 65-75°F – they dislike temps below 50°F.

After Holidays

• Cut back to 6-8″ tall in March. Repot in slightly larger container.

• Place outside in shade after last spring frost. Fertilize regularly.

• Bring indoors before first fall frost. Place in total darkness for 14 hours a day from October 1-10 to renew color.

• Resume normal water and light care. Colors should develop by Thanksgiving.

With the right care, you can enjoy poinsettias for months as houseplants and for years to come!

The Takeaway

Poinsettias are so much more than just holiday flowers – with over 100 varieties, they come in a rainbow of colors beyond the traditional Christmas red. From dark pink Princettia to unique Winter Rose, let these different poinsettia types upgrade your festive decor. And with the right care, you can enjoy their beauty long after the tinsel has come down. The next time you see poinsettias for sale, take a closer look and discover new varieties that will brighten up your holidays in style.