LADYBUT: POINSETTIA LOVERS CAN CELEBRATE FAVORITE FLOWER NATIONAL POINSETTIA DAY DEC. 12

We have Mother's Day, Father's Day, Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, Grandparent's Day, Children's Day, Daffodil Day and now a Poinsettia Day. Poinsettia lovers can be happy this holiday season as their favorite flower is honored on National Poinsettia Day, Sunday, Dec. 12.

This day has been set aside to appreciate the flower that was introduced to the United States by Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American diplomat, and who was the first ambassador to Mexico in 1825.

The poinsettia is a native plant of Mexico and originated in a region near present day Taxco. While visiting there Dr. Poinsettia was impressed with the brilliant red plants he found blooming in December. (So were we when we saw them growing five feet tall with large double blossoms.)

Dr. Poinsett had some of the plants sent to his plantation in Greenville, S.C., where they did well in his greenhouse and he shared them with his friends. Euphorbia pulcherrima is the botanical name, but the common name, poinsettia, has remained the accepted name in English speaking countries.

Joel Poinsett, who has local relations in the Palsgrove family here, died in 1951, but the poinsettia went on to become the living symbol of Christmas. Now, with more than 52 million plants sold nationwide each year the poinsettia is the number one flowering potted plant sold in the United States.

For an outstanding display of this holiday plant be sure to see the Center Court display in West Park Mall, where 400 bright and cherry poinsettias are used in the colorful decorations there. A total of 754 of this holiday flower is used throughout the Mall.

A recent survey conducted by the Society of American Florists revealed that 53% of American polled still believe that poinsettias are poisonous, even though this is completely untrue! Scientific research has verified that poinsettias are perfectly safe, non-toxic plants, entirely undeserving of this bad reputation.

This traditional flower of Christmas has never had it so good. Not long ago, however, the poinsettia was relegated to the curbside along with the Christmas tree by New Year's Day. The past 25 years has brought improvements in the quality of this plant, as the result of extensive research and breeding work, which has lengthened their life span.

There is no doubt that red is the most popular poinsettia color for Christmas. Those with white or pink coloring have been available for many years, and now there is the new yellow, call Lemon Drop, available on the market about four years ago.

There is a new light pink speckled Poinsettia with small red flecks called Pink Peppermint; somewhat the reverse to its coloring is Jingle Bells, which has pale pink flecks on dark red bracts.

Marbled poinsettias were one of the first novelty forms marketed. There are two fairly new ones, Butbler Marble and Angelika Marbella, both shades of pink with contrasting paler tones or white combinations.

Not only has the color improved, but the size and shapes also. Ranges of red colors now exist from bright Christmas red to deep rich red. Some of the newer red varieties include Celebrate Red, Lady, Lilo, Amy, Angelika and Subjibi.

Most of the poinsettias marked today are from the Paul Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, Calif., which has led the way for the vast improvements of this flower since the early 1900's.

Poinsettias thrive on direct, natural daylight. Exposure to at least six hours daily is recommended. Avoid any location where the plant is exposed to direct sunlight, as this may fade the color. Daytime temperatures should not exceed 70 degrees. Avoid placing the plants near drafts, excess heat or the dry air from ventilating ducts or fireplaces. Do not set on top of television sets.

Avoid locating them where they might get cold drafts from opening doors.

When transporting the plants home, make sure they are protected from temperatures below 50 degrees. Chilling causes the leaves to drop.

When the plant is brought home or arrives from the florist, punch some holes in the aluminum foil covering, so the watering will drain into a saucer placed beneath the pot.

Poinsettias need plenty of water and should not be allowed to dry to the point of wilting. By the same token, they should not be overwatered as this, too, will cause leaves to turn yellow and drop.

Although poinsettias may be bloomed at home for another year, my results are often disappointing. Without good conditions, such as a greenhouse, plants are often leggy and bract size is small. The best suggestion is to leave it to the professionals.