Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
11/25/02
Contacts:
Cindy Haynes, Horticulture, (515) 294-4006, chaynes@iastate.edu
Jean McGuire, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-7033,
jmcguire@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning Nov. 29, 2002
Poinsettias: Adding New Colors to the Holiday Season
By Cindy Haynes
Extension Horticulturist
Iowa State University
Poinsettias were practically unheard of 50 years ago. Today, they are an indispensable holiday decoration in almost every home. In the last few years, poinsettias have entered a new age. Today's versions of the poinsettia look and perform nothing like the original red types of 50 years ago. In fact, today's poinsettias are not just red. The colorful bracts (actually petal-like leaves) are also available in white, pink, yellow, peach, cranberry, purple and variegated. Below is a brief list of some of the newer varieties you may see this holiday season.
Both the name and coloring of 'Plum Pudding' are decadent features of this poinsettia. The first "purple" poinsettia with large, dark, wine-purple bracts. Plants of 'Plum Pudding' are vigorous and sturdy and are sure to be a sweet treat this holiday season.
'Strawberries and Cream' is another tasty name for an eye-catching poinsettia variety. The stunning serrated bracts are bicolored with splashes of dark pink and cream.
For the most unusually shaped bracts, the 'Winter Rose' series with red, white, marble and pink types are the winners. The large bracts are crimped and curved. The bract cluster resembles a rose, hence the common name. The showy bracts are complimented by the luscious dark green leaves and sturdy stems.
Salmon, peach, cranberry and coral are new colors added to the line of poinsettia cultivars in the past few years. Varieties like 'Success Coral' and 'Cranberry Punch' bridge the color gap from peachy-pink to red. Both are full, well-developed, long-lasting types with brilliantly colored bracts. Look for these plants or others in the peach and pink line-up this holiday season.
'Monet Twilight' is another pink cultivar that deserves its own spotlight. The bracts are multicolored with hues of rose, pink and cream. But unlike marbled varieties that have large splotches of a single color, the colors of 'Monet Twilight' gently shade from one color to another and change subtly over time. The bracts start out a creamy pink that deepens to rose as the bracts mature. The effect is elegant and reminiscent of a impressionist painting.
If you can't live without a red poinsettia this season, try a red variety with variegated foliage. 'Holly Point' has green and gold variegated leaves and bright red bracts. These compact plants are unique and make perfect table decorations.
Unlike the red varieties of fifty years ago, modern poinsettias are easy to maintain and should remain attractive through the holidays with no worries. For peak performance place them in a bright location away from drafts or heat sources. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch. Most poinsettias are long-lasting and should be colorful for months if properly maintained.
For something different this year, try one of these new varieties and watch it become the center of attention at your holiday festivities. With all the new colors that are available, there is at least one poinsettia variety that will match almost any decor.
Selecting the Perfect Poinsettia
Here are a few pointers for selecting healthy, long-lasting poinsettia plants for your holiday decorating and giving.
1. Look for large brightly colored bracts (showy petal-like leaves) that are not wilted, broken or damaged.
2. Select plants that have a full complement of rich, dark green leaves. Healthy leaves should be present even at the base of the plant.
3. The true flowers are the yellowish button-like structures in the center of the bracts. Avoid plants where the true flowers are shedding pollen or falling off.
4. Be sure to inspect poinsettias for insect pests. These uninvited guests tend to stick around long after the holidays end.
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