Not Your Typical Poinsettias

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?