All About Poinsettias From A Local Grower

December 28, 2022

They are simple and beautiful symbols of Christmastime—these plants with deep red leaves, contrasting with the green ones below–the colors of Christmas on full display. Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrina) are native to mountainous regions of Mexico, and there are countless varieties with different shades of red, pink, and white available now.

But how did these tropical Mexican plants become such a popular part of Christmas in the United States? To understand that, we should go back to their long history of association with the holiday. Dating back to the 17th century, early missionaries to Mexico used the plant in nativity services. The legend of the “flor de noche buena” (flower of Christmas Eve) tells the story of a small, impoverished child who wanted to bring a gift to church in celebration of Christmas. An angel appeared to the child, saying they should gather weeds at the roadside and bring them to the altar. A miraculous transformation then occurred, in which the plants became a deep red and green plant—the poinsettia we all know and love. This story has long served as an object lesson in giving simply and from the heart, and is told every year at Christmas time.

While Mexicans refer to the plant as the flor de noche buena, it is known as cuetlaxochitl (star flower) in the Aztec language. Aztecs used the plant as a fever reducer, and for producing purple-red dye. Other Spanish-speaking countries typically refer to it as the Flor de Pascua (Christmas flower). The common name poinsettia came from Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, who served as the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. As a botanist, he was intrigued with the plant, and introduced it to the United States by sending cuttings back to America in the 1830’s.

Local nurseryman William Wendt is in his 29th year growing poinsettias in Santa Rosa County. He mentioned the poinsettia gets a bad rap as toxic to pets, telling me, “your cat would have to eat about 100 plants” to get dangerously sick. Botanically speaking, the red part of the plant is a bract, or modified leaf, while the actual flowers are the bright yellow parts in the center. While encouraging people to purchase and enjoy poinsettias through the holiday season, he did not recommend trying to plant them in the ground. They are cold sensitive and rarely grow well in our area except in a greenhouse. In tropical environments, however, poinsettias can grow into large bushes or small trees.

Pictured: Local nurseryman William Wendt has been growing poinsettias for nearly 30 years. Photo by Carrie Stevenson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Written by Carrie Stevenson, UF/IFAS Escambia Extension

Comments

4 Responses to “All About Poinsettias From A Local Grower”

  1. Tammy & Rick Fountain on December 29th, 2022 2:02 pm

    Great article and beautifully written! William, Joy, Earl, Janet and the entire Wendt family do an amazing job providing these beautiful symbols of Christmas each year! They are a special family and have become an important part of so many Santa Rosa and Escambia County families, Churches and Businesses Christmas celebrations each year! May God bless them as they serve the area with a big heart in all that they grow and do. Praying that their 2023 Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Flower and Crop growing seasons will be blessed! God Bless you all!

  2. So girl on December 28th, 2022 8:57 pm

    Mr Wendt’s Beauriful Poinsettias bring beauty to so many churches in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties, as well as homes.
    Thank you for this article on the poinsettias history and Mr Wendt’s nursery.

  3. Conrad Price on December 28th, 2022 2:47 pm

    Great job William!

  4. Silent Observer on December 28th, 2022 9:17 am

    Thank you for highlighting a local grower. This is a well written and educational article. Love learning about the history and the naming of the plant. Well done!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News