Every year, you’ll find the poinsettia’s vivid, star-shaped leaves being used as decor in virtually every venue in town – from church services to hotel lobbies. The poinsettia is one of the surest indications that Christmas has arrived, and the annual sales support that fact – during the holidays, more than $200 million worth of poinsettias will be sold. There are about 100 different species of the popular plant, and although they come in many colors ranging from white to pink and yellow, the scarlet hue is the most recognizable.  If you are looking for beautiful poinsettias decorated for the holidays, look no further than Boyd’s Flowers.

Most people think that the bright leaves – or bracts – of the poinsettia plant are its petals, but the yellow buds in the center are actually the true flower petals. Poinsettias bloom in December, making them a perfect choice for a holiday flower. But how did a simple flower from Mexico become one of the most beloved traditions of our Christmas season?

One common story is that the poinsettia flower looks like the Star of Bethlehem, the celestial phenomenon that led the Magi to the nativity of Christ. However, it is likely a Mexican Christmas legend that forever linked the poinsettia to our holiday traditions. Legend says that a poor peasant girl, unable to a buy gift for the Christ child,  placed a weed at His feet. Because it was an offering of love, it instantly blossomed into a gorgeous flower. In Mexico, the poinsettia called the Flores de Noche Buena, or “flowers of the holy night”.

Some people worry about the flowers being poisonous. Although the poinsettia can be slightly toxic to pets and cause some discomfort for them, generally the plants will not cause serious illness. To keep your poinsettia vivid and beautiful through the season, position the flower next to a sunny window, but don’t let the leaves touch a cold windowpane. The flowers thrive in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, and should be watered whenever the soil feels dry – but don’t oversoak the roots!

To fill your home with red and white Christmas poinsettias, call Boyd’s Flowers and order them today. Don’t forget to browse through all our holiday flowers and gifts, perfect for the season!