I recently attended the Poinsettia Tour at a local nursery, The Plant Farm. I knew that poinsettias came in other colors than just red, but I was impressed by the great variety on display. Pink, coral, lime green and cream plants caught my eye.
Each year The Plant Farm grows 50,000 to 60,000 poinsettias for garden centers and retail nurseries in several states. Above is shown 'Picasso'.
One conglomeration of greenhouses sheltered an acre of potted poinsettias. Several smaller greenhouses contained even more pots. Rows after rows of color were a welcome sight on a grey, rainy day.
Of course I had to take one home, but how to choose? I don't decorate with bright red, even at Christmas, because it gives me a headache. So I looked for something that would fit with my decor for the next month or two. These green ones were tempting.
I also considered a coral poinsettia like this one. Wouldn't this look great in a beachhouse at Christmas? The color coral always makes me think of the beach.
Here is a variation on the coral theme called 'Crystal Palace'. I love the texture and highlights on the leaves.
Being a pink fan, of course I paused over the bright pink and softer pink varieties. Traditionalists might raise an eyebrow over a pink Christmas poinsettia, but I'm open to new twists on old favorites.
I finally decided on this one, called 'Picasso'. The splotchy leaves were so interesting to my eyes.
This flower (yeah, I know it's really colored bracts, but I'm going to call it a flower) seems especially pretty since my outside garden is looking dreary. Have you picked up any poinsettias this season? What color did you choose?
Call me old-fashioned, but if they are not smooth red or solid pink, or even white, they look virused to me.
ReplyDeleteHD had poinsettias for 99 cents on Saturday after Christmas. I was certainly tempted. All were red, some redder than others.
Oh, how beautiful!Crystal palace and Picasso the most! Pink one is also wonderful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI haven't purchased any yet this year. I do like those pink ones as well as the Picasso. It would be hard to choose.
ReplyDeleteVery Pretty! I like the lime green one! My favorite poinsettia though is called Plum pudding and it's purple! Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteHey VW...I've decided to do it a little different this year and I bought a Bromeliad instead of a Poinsettia. I'm wishing the Portland grey away by doing a Tropical Christmas! I've got to take a few pictures and do a post, soon. And THANK YOU for the memories of the Plant Farm. I used to love to visit that nursery...
ReplyDeleteOh, so pretty VW. I love the Crystal Palace it is gorgeous. At least they are breed different colors not the spray painted, glittered ones that show up at Walmart.That is always a pet peeve with me at Christmas time ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou know, VW, I like them all. I don't know why, but I just think they're the coolest plants with all of this variety. I do have a red one coming for my dining table, but I may need to check out some of the others at my local nursery. Thanks for the tour.~~Dee
ReplyDeleteI love your choice. I don't usually buy Poinsettias, but have noticed some of the really pretty ones they have in my favorite nursery.
ReplyDeleteHi VW~~ Of all the poinsettias you photographed, 'Picassa' is my favorite too. I laughed when you said red gives you a headache, but I get the feeling it wasn't a joke. :) I don't usually buy poinsettias. I would rather save the money and buy a garden plant later on. I've got a [rather tacky] silk poinsettia that must suffice.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been a fun day at the nursery.
They are interesting unusual plants, I think they are used as indoor plants, i don't recall seeing them in a garden. They seem to be very prominent around christmas. pink and splotchy gets my vote too.
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful. I love the different colors. Yesterday, I saw some blue ones in the store. But, I think they were watered with blue-dyed water.
ReplyDeleteI like that Picasso. You chose well.
ReplyDeleteAlso wanted to let you know that I recently discovered your blog and have enjoyed all of your rose posts. I've mostly given up on roses myself due to the deer, but I can still appreciate them from afar.
I'd go for 'Picasso' as well.
ReplyDeleteI know it's nearly Christmas but I associate this plant with warmer climbs. It's my ambition to retire to somewhere I never need to wear a coat. I'll grow poinsettias all year in the warm shade!
I never knew there were SO many colors to choose from. Sometimes Nashville is years behind! I think Picasso is perfect, I love the splotchy leaves, too. gail
ReplyDeleteHi VW, reading your profile I see that you are an expert landscaping and gardener... well, I`m just someone who loves gardening, specially with roses and have learned everything working in my garden and reading some information about it. Hope your roses grow abundantly so you can have bunches of them... nothing better than roses!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visit and sweet comment.
Maria Cecilia
Corals, pinks and whites were very popular for decorating when I lived in Southern California, but I confess I always seem to go with basic red. This year I only bought one but put in in a beautiful silver plant container I bought at a discount pottery store for a touch of elegance.
ReplyDeleteI like the coloured ones - I just did an article on Poinsettias yesterday. Your photos are amazing and I would find it hard to make my mind up but if I had to choose it would have to be Picasso.
ReplyDeleteHello ma'am, very happy to find your blog..I'm a plant lover too...your pictures are very good, and Good luck with your plant management stuff, Ma'am I was wondering if you could help me identify some of the plants I clicked since you are very good at Gardening..please follow the link and help me out only if you don't mind...please http://dipz-dipz.blogspot.com/2011/09/can-you-help-me-name-them.html
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Dipz