Poinsettias

 

The poinsettia is indigenous to Central America. It is particularly well known for its red flower and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. It derives its common English name from Joel Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who is credited with introducing the plant to the US in the 1820s. Poinsettias are shrubs or small trees, with heights of 2-13 feet.  Two of the best collections around are at the Garfield Park and Lincoln Park Conservatories in Chicago.  These are some of the pictures I took there.

"Rumpelstilskin"

"Gentle Marble"

"Spikey Pink"

"Ice Punch"

"Pink Polly"

"Speckled Red"

Bed of "Enduring Pink"

"Early Autumn"

New varieties in yellow, tan, and brown have now been developed.

Bed of various pinks.

"Pink Elf"

"A Sprinkling of Snow"

"Enduring Pink"

"Fancy Free"

"Blush Pink"

"Featherly's Fancy"

"Polar Ice"

"Melissa"

A bed of pinks.

"Ice Princess"

"Carousel Pink"

"Pink Maiden" with variegated leaves.

Horticulturalists are now working on various colored leaves.

"Cinnamon Spice"

Single "Cinnamon Spice"

"Strawberries and Cream"

"Coral Shell" with variegated pale green leaves

"Polar Queen"

"Priscilla"

Bed of "Coral Shells"

"Daisy Miller"

"Luscious Coral"

"White Christmas"

"Fairy Dust Pink"

"Snow Queen"

__