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What countries grow poinsettias?
Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays.
Where Are poinsettias naturally?
Native to Mexico, poinsettias are in the Euphorbia family and are a popular holiday plant because of their colorful bracts (leaves). There is also a species that is used as a cut flower. They are most commonly used for decorating during the winter holidays, but are also attractive as green plants throughout the year.
Where Are poinsettias grown in the US?
Although every state in the United States grows poinsettias commercially, California is the top producer with over 6 million pots grown, followed by North Carolina with 4.4 million pots sold, and Texas with about 3.7million. Florida and Ohio round out the top 5, each with over 3 million poinsettias sold.
Where did the poinsettia originate from?
Southern Mexico
The poinsettia is native to Southern Mexico and has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. In 1828, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Doctor Joel Poinsett, sent a clipping of the plant back to home in South Carolina. Dr. Poinsett shared the plant with other people and it was eventually called the Poinsettia.
Do poinsettias grow wild anywhere?
Poinsettias, or Euphorbia pulchirrima, belong to a large group of plants called spurges. Poinsettias grow as a perennial shrub in Mexico and parts of Central America.
What is the poinsettia called in Central America?
Flor de Pascua
Poinsettias: The Christmas Eve Flower. In Spain, Puerto Rico, and other Central America countries it’s known as Flor de Pascua or Pascua, meaning Christmas Flower.
Do poinsettias grow in Mexico?
Poinsettias at Christmas. Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, especially an area of southern Mexico known as ‘Taxco del Alarcon’ where they flower during the winter. The ancient Aztecs called them ‘cuetlaxochitl’. He was the first Ambassador from the USA to Mexico in 1825.
What are poinsettias called in Mexico?
flor de nochebuena
Poinsett found in Mexico an exotic plant that blooms red, pointy leaves — not petals — during winter. Mexicans call it “flor de nochebuena” or “Christmas Eve flower.” Attracted by its seasonal beauty, ambassador Poinsett brought it to the United States.
Will my Poinsettia live outside?
Yes , Poinsettias can grow outside. Transplant your Poinsettias from the pot to the ground, only after Christmas. If we decide to give our plant a bigger space in which to grow, we cannot delay. Ideally, we should do this when the flowering is over, so we can carry out this task until February at the latest. Pruning is essential for growth.
When to plant Poinsettia?
All container plants need good soil, the right size container and excellent drainage, and poinsettias are no exception. The optimum time for transplanting is late spring to early summer. The University of Minnesota recommends June 15 as your target date.
Can poinsettias be kept outdoors?
When outdoor temperatures are consistently over 55°F (12°C), you can grow your poinsettia outdoors for the summer months. Place your poinsettia in indirect light to avoid sunburn, and never let it dry out. Continue watering as before, waiting until potting soil is dry to touch, and never soaking or starving the plant.
How cold hardy are poinsettia plants?
The holiday poinsettia is Euphorbia pulcherrima (syn. Poinsettia pulcherrima .) It is reported to be cold hardy in zone 9. I have seen plants survive in protected sites in northern zone 9a. For best flowering, grow it in a sunny, well-drained site.