Michael Perry explains why red is not the only colour in the Christmas Poinsettia parade

There’s only one plant synonymous with Christmas across a number of different countries, albeit known under a range of different names, and that’s the Poinsettia.

It’s a rather curious plant, because if you ever spotted one growing in the wild, you would be gazing up at a 6m (20ft) tree with a blaze of red flowers. So it’s quite a marvel that the plant we know so well is just about 30cm (1ft) and enjoys being a festive houseplant!

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Some basic Poinsettia pointers

Don’t let it get too cold, and certainly don’t expose it to any draughts.

Keep its humidity high by placing your potted plant onto a source of moist pebbles, and water only when the surface of the compost dries out.

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White and wonderful cut flower potential of ‘Alaska’

‘Alaska’

Let’s kick things off with something super unusual, and one that will really glow in your Christmas home. ‘Alaska’ is the best crystal white poinsettia in the marketplace, and gives all sorts of decor possibilities. You can even snip a few stems and use them as a cut flower in bouquets, have you ever tried that?

Is it a rose or a poinsettia? ‘Roccostar red’

‘Roccostar Red’

Here is the Poinsettia that thinks it’s a red rose. Multi flowering, and incredibly long lasting, with a wholly different appearance. Compare this to buying a bunch of roses – it’s going to last so much longer.

Marbled and glittery, ‘Superba Marble’

‘Superba Marble’

I really like the marbled and glitter types of Poinsettia, they offer something really fun and different and attract a new demographic of buyers to our exciting Poinsettia world. They rather remind me of the Christmas decorations of my childhood too.

The ideal poinsettia for young children maybe, ‘Christmas Mouse’

‘Christmas Mouse’

This could be the ideal Poinsettia for young children. Grown at a small size, it is completely different in that the bracts are rounded rather than pointed. It’s super cute!

This one even glows in the dark, ‘Kayla Red’

‘Kayla Red’

Another Poinsettia with very different shaped bracts (basically coloured leaves that masquerade as the plant’s flowers), shaped like an oak leaf.

The extra vibrancy of this red variety means that it will also glow in darker festive homes as well, so the breeders have really thought of everything.

More resilient to cooler temperatures,  Princettia Series

Princettia Series

Now here’s something very different, that I love. It’s a Poinsettia that is sold a little bit earlier in the season, usually late October, and can withstand cooler temperatures. You can actually grow it outdoors on the patio before the frosts come, offering you some really different planting opportunities.

New and set to be really popular ‘Fantasy Star’

‘Fantasy Star’

This one is new to me this season, it’s a typical red variety, but with the most glorious ‘tie dye’ effect! I think this one is set to be really popular.

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