Poinsettia Perfection

Poinsettias. You either love them or you hate them. Until recently, I fell on the latter end of the spectrum. They seemed so mundane. Every year you saw them- the same varieties- at every grocery story. They lacked variety and dimension. 

But, what I learned recently is that I've been taking these plants for granted.

During a visit to the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory in Washington DC this month, I realized quickly that there is much more to poinsettias than I ever realized.

In 2003, Ruth Kobayashi patented a means for hybridizing poinsettias that has allowed for the diversification of the plants in interesting ways.

Some of the new varieties, like 'Luv U Pink' have unusual colors. Others have smaller center flowers. 

Poinsettia 'Luv U Pink'

Poinsettia 'Snows of Kilimanjaro' also captured my eye at the conservatory, though not initially. I walked right past these plants and didn't realize at first that they were part of the poinsettia display. I love their tiny white blooms. So sweet!

Poinsettia "Snows of Kilimanjaro'

There were a number of really interesting bicolor poinsettia plants, too. Check these out:

Poinsettia 'Jingle Bell Rock'

Poinsettia 'Premium Picasso'

Poinsettia 'Jingle Bells'

Poinsettia 'Autumn Leaves'

And then... there was this one. A single bloom on a Jamaican poinsettia. Now, I'm sold. 

Thanks for reading this poinsettia blog binge! I hope you've found it interesting. I had such a great time visiting the US Botanic Garden Conservatory. If you're ever in DC, be sure to take a look. Admission is free and the staff are wonderful. Our best to you and yours this holiday season from our family and Little Farmhouse Flowers.