At Christmas time, your local flower shop is as busy as Santa when they’re filling orders for poinsettias, the most popular plant in the month of December. These vibrant plants have a fascinating history, having made their way to the U.S. from Mexico. Learn more about the poinsettia’s historical and cultural impact below.

How the Poinsettia Came to the U.S.

Native to Mexico, poinsettias flower during the winter. They got their name from the United States’ first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who lived in South Carolina where he kept greenhouses. On a visit to Mexico in 1828, he saw these beautiful red-leaved plants and sent them back to his home to cultivate and share with others. Poinsettias were first sold to consumers at a Philadelphia flower show by a man who received one of these plants, and have since become flower shop staples at Christmas. 

How the Poinsettia Became a Christmas Favorite

Legend says the plant became associated with Christmas when a young Mexican girl picked a bunch of weeds as a gift on her way to Christmas Eve Services. She wanted to present them to the Christ Child, having no money for anything else. She was embarrassed, but her cousin explained that all gifts given with love had value. As she remembered these words at the chapel, her bouquet of weeds bloomed into the red plant known as the poinsettia.  

How to Care for Poinsettias

While most people discard their poinsettias after Christmas, they can be kept year-round with proper care. Despite their popularity in winter, they prefer a temperature of at least 55 degrees. They need little water, only when the surface of their soil has dried out, although you can mist your plant to keep it moist. Ask your flower shop to recommend a fertilizer to feed your plant every month if you’d like keep it year after year.

Whether you're looking for poinsettias or a Christmas flower arrangement, head to Watanabe Floral Inc, the flower shop of choice in Honolulu, HI, for 72 years. From weddings and anniversaries to funerals, you’ll find a selection of the freshest flowers for every occasion. Check out their Christmas bouquets and centerpieces online, or call (808) 832-9360 to put in a custom order. You can also view their beautiful arrangements on Facebook.