How Poinsettias became the official Christmas flower

The Spark

This week kicks off Christmas and there is no denying that poinsettias make for bright and festive decorations during the winter months. But have you ever wondered how they got to be the official Christmas flower? Shirley Halk, Master Gardener with the Penn State Agricultural Extension Service says they have a long history.

“The flower or the poinsettia reminds people of the Star of Bethlehem. When the three wise men were coming to Jesus to bear their gifts. So that's one thing about the poinsettias. You have this Christian belief. You also have when you look at the Aztecs and the Mayans, they use the poinsettias for medicinal values. They believe sometimes in magical values of the plant. So, it's it's used in a variety of ways.”

Poinsettias are grown in warm settings and are native to Mexico and Guatemala.

“They are actually considered a perennial shrub and they can grow up to 15 foot high, which you won't see here usually in the States.”After Christmas, Poinsettias can be preserved.

“They can be they can be made to bloom, believe it or not, year after year, if you so desire. And when I say year after year, the longevity on a poinsettia plant can be anywhere from 10 to 20 years.”

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