It’s December 12th, National Poinsettia Day! If you haven’t already adorned your house with a lovely Poinsettia, by all means, celebrate the day by purchasing a potted Poinsettia. Don’t go home without one!

Did you know? The Poinsettia was named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico during the 1820’s. Ambassador Poinsett imported the tropical plant to his greenhouses in South Carolina, where he began propagating and distributing them. From these humble beginnings, much like the Easter lily, the popularity of the Poinsettia has increased to enormous proportions.

Poinsettias are the number one potted plant sold in the USA today, exceeding annual sales of all other potted plants combined!

Here’s a myth that we can put to rest about this beautiful plant. Poinsettias are not toxic and thus not dangerous to have indoors near children. Although Poinsettias are not food and should not be eaten, a child would have to consume more than 500 bracts in order to reach an unsafe level, according to the Poisindex.

What’s your favorite color Poinsettia? From the traditional red to shades of white, peach, pink, and yellow, cultivars are now available in marbled, striped and spotted tones. A new seasonal variety, “Jingle Bells” with its red bracts and pink flecks is sure to gain popularity among many this holiday.

By Deborah Tukua, www.hollycreekbooks.com, country author and proud owner of a pretty, potted Poinsettia, dusted with gold glitter!

Technorati Tags: pointsettia, Joel Roberts Poinsett