Walk into almost any home, office or shopping centre in December and you'll spot one: a pot of bright red poinsettias. They have become as much a part of Christmas as tinsel and pavlova. But how did a plant from Mexico end up as the flower of Christmas?
A Christmas Eve legend from Mexico
Poinsettias grow wild in Mexico, where they are known as flor de Nochebuena, the Christmas Eve flower.
The best-loved story behind them is a Mexican legend about a young girl who had no gift to bring to church on Christmas Eve. With nothing else to offer, she gathered a handful of weeds from the roadside. As she placed them at the altar, the story goes, they burst into brilliant red blooms. It is a lovely reminder that the humblest gift, given with love, can be the most beautiful of all.
The shape of the plant adds to the symbolism. Its pointed leaves form a star, which many see as a reminder of the Star of Bethlehem, and its deep red has long been linked with the Christmas season.
How the poinsettia got its name
The English name comes from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States minister to Mexico. A keen botanist, he sent cuttings home in the 1820s, and the plant soon took his name. From there it travelled the world, becoming one of the most popular Christmas plants of all.
Those red "petals" aren't petals at all
Here is a fun fact to share over Christmas lunch. The bright red parts of a poinsettia are actually coloured leaves, called bracts. The true flowers are the tiny yellow clusters in the centre.
Keeping your poinsettia happy in an Aussie summer
Poinsettias were made for a northern winter, so our December heat calls for a little extra care:
- Light: Bright, indirect light indoors is best. Keep it out of hot afternoon sun.
- Air: Keep it away from air conditioning vents and draughts, which can make the leaves drop.
- Water: Water when the top of the soil feels dry, then let it drain. Don't leave it sitting in water.
- Pets and little ones: The milky sap can irritate, so pop it somewhere curious pets and small children can't reach.
With a little care, it will brighten the room right through the festive season.
A Christmas gift that gives twice
Our "Christmas Cheer" poinsettia is a simple, joyful way to say Merry Christmas to a neighbour, a teacher, a client or the whole office. And like every Kind Hearts gift, 10% of the gift price goes to the charity you choose before checkout.
So while your poinsettia brightens someone's home, it is also helping a cause close to your heart.