Why Poinsettias Are The Official Christmas Flower

Poinsettias are as synonymous with Christmas as mistletoe, trees, and boxes of chocolate - but how did this vibrant red flower become the face of the festive season? As with many traditions, there is more to the story than first meets the eye.

The Mexican Origin

Firstly, these cheerful flowers did not originate in the winter wonderlands many associate with Christmas today. Native to Mexico, Poinsettias Flowers were brought north by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, in 1825. Poinsett, a keen amateur botanist, was inspired by the bright red leaves or "bracts" after witnessing them on Christmas Eve. He transported the first specimens back home and introduced the plant to American agriculture.

The Timing Was Right

With Poinsett bringing the colorful flower to the U.S. just as Christmas traditions were taking root and becoming more commercial, its early December bloom coincided perfectly. However, it took until the early 20th century for poinsettias to really take off as the holiday flower of choice. With department stores in key cities beginning to sell them nationwide, clever marketing seized on their festive hues and association with Christmas Eve in Mexico to drive demand. And now it can be easily order thorugh a quick Christmas flowers delivery anywhere around christmas time.

The Papal Stamp of Approval

Meanwhile, a story emerged that a poor Mexican girl was inspired by the tradition of bringing small gifts or "tamales" to the local church for Christmas Eve mass. With nothing to offer, she picked weeds from the roadside to decorate the altar instead - lo and behold, they mysteriously transformed into the brilliant red flowers we know today. While apocryphal, this tale of a Christmas miracle added to the plant's perceived symbolism. It was in this context that Pope Paul VI declared the poinsettia the Flower of the Nativity in the 1960s, cementing its official status ever since. Today, it can be easily found around that time at local geneva florist and all over the world.

Simple but Striking Styling

Part of christmas poinsettias enduring popularity compared to other Christmas floral choices also lies in its undemanding nature. Unlike temperamental blooms, these bushes are hardy - adapting to different climates - and easy to propagate. Their striking red and one of the best christmas flowers stands out dramatically from glossy dark leaves, making vivid christmas centerpiece flowers or wreaths that brighten any home during winter holidays. With social media, their visual impact has only increased, becoming Christmas Official plants perfectly posed for festive selfies and celebrations around the world.

Year-Round Enjoyment

While these red christmas flowers are synonymous with Christmas, savvy owners have realized they can enjoy the festive blooms for far longer. With proper care including indirect sunlight and occasional watering, the plants may reflower throughout the new year given their tropical origins. With some varieties like pink or white cultivars also available, its christmas flower arrangement can spread the cheer well into spring.

To conclude, while traditions shift over time, the cheery poinsettia has stood the test of Christmas for almost 200 years - perhaps because it taps into human nature's celebration not just of religious birth stories but warmer, brighter times to come. With their symbolic colors of Christmas hope and their tactile beauty, expect demand for these holiday favorites to bloom on for generations yet. If you want to add poinsettias to your festive celebrations, consider ordering from your nearby Elgin flower shop- Town & Country Gardens for high-quality seasonal blooms delivered fresh to your door.