The bright red bracts associated with festive cheer are readily available, but a rainbow of recently introduced colours has sparked a rediscovery of these traditional favourites
Gone are the days when Euphorbia pulcherrima (poinsettia) selections were only available in red. In recent years, growers have widened the colour range of the bracts (brightly coloured, petal-like modified leaves) to include white, cream, lemon, pink, salmon, orange and purple. Multicoloured bracts and variegated foliage are also available. There are still plenty of deep reds to satisfy traditionalists, but if you are ready to rediscover poinsettias, keep an eye out for E. pulcherrima cultivars: Silver Star (‘Fisflirt Silver’) (pictured), Lemon Snow (‘Fislemon’) with pale yellow bracts, bicoloured Strawberries and Cream (‘Eckaloha’) or sumptuous deep plum Cortez Burgundy (‘Kamp Burgundy’).
Availability
The affordability of poinsettias means that keeping plants from year to year is not worth the effort. Results will usually be disappointing because it is difficult to maintain ideal conditions to initiate new bracts. However, the coloured bracts can last six months. To achieve this, keep the poinsettia in bright conditions away from direct sunlight and draughts; temperatures below 13°C (55°F) and overwatering will quickly damage plants. Only water, thoroughly, once the surface of the compost begins to dry out. A humid atmosphere will prolong bract life.
Only buy plants whose flowers are tight and not showing any yellow pollen, otherwise the coloured bracts will not last as long. The flowers can be found clustered at the base of the bracts.
Although they are usually disappointing in the second season, plants can be kept by hard pruning and repotting in April, and growing them in a cool, light place through summer.
Helen Bostock