How to Find Spectacular Poinsettia Plants

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By shenandoah
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Poinsettia plants are a huge part of the American Christmas tradition. It's the number one potted plant sold during the holidays. It's big, showy flowers bring a burst of long-lasting color into our homes during the winter.

For years, we saw poinsettias only in reds and whites, then some pinks. Now they can be found in these shades and many more as well as patterns and multi-colored flowers within one plant or pot.

There are more than 100 varieties of poinsettia. I'll explain which varieties are among the most spectacular poinsettias and how to go about finding them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Desire for unusual and exotic varieties of poinsettia

Step 1

Cortez Burgundy Poinsettia

Look for "Cortez Burgundy" or "Maroon Punch"

These two varieties in shades of deep burgundy are very rich-looking and have intense color. If you have trouble finding these poinsettias at local garden centers or nurseries, contact these growers and ask who they ship to in your area. Cortez Burgundy is available online at milmont.com, a Waynesboro, VA grower and at fraziersgreenhouse.com, a Oneonta, NY greenhouse.
Step 2

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Find "Maren"

This poinsettia has an unusual and really lovely salmon color flower. If you can't find Maren locally, contact a grower for information on garden centers or nurseries near you that they ship to. Maren poinsettia is available from heartlandgrowers.com, a Westfield, IN wholesale grower.
Step 3

Look for "Sonora White Glitter"

White splotches of different shapes and sizes on red flowers make this a 'take notice' plant. The leaves are holly-shaped, adding interest.
Step 4

Ice Punch Poinsettia

Find "Ice Punch" or "Dash of Cranberry"

The Ice Punch variety has a cranberry and white flower and is an award winner and popular favorite. This variety was exclusively sold by Home Depot when it was introduced by the grower a few years ago. It is now carried/sold by other garden centers and nurseries, as well.

Dash of Cranberry has tri-colored flowers of cream, pink, and red. It is available online at jacksonandperkins.com.
Step 5

White Star Poinsettia

Look for "White Star" or "White Christmas"

These varieties are described as the purest, whitest of white poinsettias. Mail order companies such as delightfuldeliveries.com as well as garden centers such as Meadows Farms (in MD and VA) and Strange's Garden Centers (in VA) sell these varieties.
Step 6

Strange's Poinsettia

Participate in or Read About Poinsettia Trials

Each year, the University of Florida, North Carolina State University, Purdue University, and Homewood Gardens of Raleigh, NC, join together for the "National Poinsettia Variety Trials". The trials are held at each location and sponsored by the five top poinsettia breeders from the US and Europe. Consumer evaluations of poinsettia varieties are a component of the trials.