Plant of the Month by Martin Fish
Poinsettia, with its scarlet-coloured foliage, is probably one of the most recognised plants over the festive period. When in full colour it looks like a Christmas decoration and the red plants are by far the most popular colour, although pink and cream-coloured varieties are available. The modified leaves, known as bracts, at the end of the stems, is what provides the bright, colourful display for several weeks or even months.
A native of Mexico, poinsettia grows as a large, woody shrub that can reach up to 3 or 4 metres in height, but the pot plants we grow in our homes over winter have been developed to be naturally dwarf and bushy.
Poinsettias need warmth to grow well and hate the cold. When buying a plant never buy one from an outside stall and make sure your plant is well wrapped up on the journey home to protect it from the cold.
Once in the house, keep it in a light position, where you can maintain a minimum temperature of 13oC (55oF), or ideally slightly warmer. If subjected to cold conditions and draughts, the foliage will start to drop. Watering is also important and the compost in the pot should be kept moist, but not wet.
With just a little care your poinsettia will look great over the festive period and well into the New Year!
Martin Fish is a gardening columnist, broadcaster, speaker, RHS judge and all-round horticulture expert. He writes for publications including Garden Answers, Kitchen Garden and Which? Gardening.
We have worked with Martin closely over a number of years and each month he will be choosing a favourite Plant of the Month for us, with tips and advice for planting and growing in the garden.