Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
12/5/02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-2710, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
New Poinsettias Provide a "Color Coordinated" Christmas
By Linda Naeve
Extension Coordinator
Reiman Gardens
Ask anyone, from age three to 103, what the traditional holiday colors are and he or she will say green and red. These colors have dominated the holiday decor for years. However, this tradition isn't as strong as it once was. We now see ornaments and ribbons in burgundy, purple, blue, pink, metallic gold and many others. Designers and decorators are selecting colors that coordinate with the colors found in homes. Even Martha Stewart is using sage green as a seasonal color this year.
This week's Reiman's Pick, 'Plum Pudding' poinsettia, is also a sign of the times. Plum Pudding is one of the newest poinsettias to be cultivated and, according to breeders from the Paul Ecke Ranch, it is the first true purple poinsettia. However, in my opinion, the colorful bracts are a dark, regal burgundy against its bright green foliage. It is the perfect choice for homes and businesses where the traditional red poinsettias clash with the decor.
Poinsettias today are as much a part of the holidays as evergreens and carols. An estimated 50 million Americans will purchase a poinsettia this holiday season. More than 100 varieties of poinsettias are available in red, white, pink, yellow, mottled, and even some are variegated. Don't think you are old-fashioned because you still prefer the brilliant red poinsettias rather than the new colors. Nearly 75 percent of the poinsettias sold are the familiar red version.
Poinsettias are so popular there is even a National Poinsettia Day. An Act of Congress in 1991 recognized December 12 as National Poinsettia Day. Surprisingly, the date was not selected because of the plant's seasonal popularity. The date commemorates the life of Joel Robert Poinsett, who introduced this native Mexican plant to the United States. Poinsett died on December 12, 1851.
Joel Poinsett was the United States Ambassador to Mexico in 1925 when he "discovered" a beautiful shrub with large crimson flowers growing alongside the road. He took cuttings from this plant and sent them back to his South Carolina plantation. During its early years in the United States, the poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was referred to as fire flower, flame flower, lobster flower, and even ratweed. As the plant gained popularity, William H. Prescott, a respected historian and gardener, was asked to give it a new common name - "Poinsettia" - in honor of Poinsett's horticultural and diplomatic achievements.
The poinsettia is an interesting plant in many ways. Poinsettias are not grown for their beautiful flowers. The bright red "petals" are actually bracts, or modified leaves. Look in the center of the bracts to find the small, inconspicuous yellow flowers. The flowers will tell you how fresh the poinsettia is. Select plants with flowers that look like little green or yellow berries and with little or no yellow pollen showing on the flowers.
Poinsettias, like chrysanthemums, require short days in order to initiate flower buds. In order to have them blooming uniformly and at just the right time, greenhouse growers shade them every night for at least 14 hours from late September through mid-October.
In the early 1900s, poinsettias were believed to be poisonous. This rumor was the result of a false report. Fear of their toxicity persisted until the early 1970s when a study conducted at Ohio State University found that if a 50-pound child ate 500 bracts the child would, at most, get a minor upset stomach. Rather than being a threat to our safety, a holiday poinsettia is actually beneficial. It is included on the list of houseplants most helpful in removing pollutants from indoor air.
Poinsettias make great gifts. However, if you are carrying it outdoors when the temperature is below 50 degrees, be sure to have a protective sleeve on it. It is also a good idea to have your car warmed up and waiting. A poinsettia that is chilled may drop all of its leaves.
You can see "Plum Pudding" poinsettias and dozens of other
varieties in all shapes and sizes in the new Conservatory at Iowa State
University's Reiman Gardens during the holiday display between November
29 and December 30. The "poinsettia Christmas tree," hundreds
of poinsettias, evergreens, amaryllis, and paper whites in the Conservatory,
and 20,000 twinkling lights in the Gardens will be a special holiday treat.
-30-
|
Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 256K. Caption: 'Plum Pudding' poinsettia. |
 |
Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.