There are many symbols and decorations associated with the winter holiday season, but when it comes to Christmas - one of the first things people will think of is poinsettia.
Also known as the Christmas Star and Christmas Flower, this exquisite plant with scarlet, star-shaped leaves is certainly one of the most popular Christmas decorations, and a staple in homes and business spaces during the holidays.
Whether as potted plants or used in floral arrangements as cut flowers, poinsettias will make any space even more beautiful. According to the Society of American Florists, more than 60 million poinsettias are sold each year.
National Poinsettia Day is December 12th.
Poinsettia was called Cuetlaxochitl by the Aztecs, and it is a plant native to Mexico. It was cultivated as a gift from the gods and Montezuma, last of the Aztec Kings, adorned his palaces with the plant.The Aztecs saw its blood red color as a reminder of the sacrifice the gods had made to create the universe, and the debt to be repaid with human sacrifice, and also used the sap to cure fever, and the leaves to make a dye.
In 1828, Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first Ambassador to the new Republic of Mexico, a doctor and an amateur botanist, discovered the ruby red-bloomed plant and was so captivated by it that he sent clippings to his home in Charleston, SC.
Poinsett later sent it to his friends, and the beautiful plant even made it to the Botanical Garden Edinburgh, England. He retired from his duties as Secretary of War in 1841, and became a founding member of the National Institute for the Promotion of Science and the Useful which later became the Smithsonian Institute.
Botanically, the plant is known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima, but in honor of Poinsett for his many achievements in government and horticulture, historian and gardener William Hickling Prescott renamed the plant Poinsettia.
December 12 marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett. Coincidently, in Mexico the Poinsettia is displayed around Dia de la Virgen, which is also December 12.
History also tells us that this incredible, flaming-red flower that grows wild in Mexico, for used in the nativity procession for the first time in the 17th century by Franciscan missionaries in an area of Southern Mexico known as Taxco.
The plant, referred to as "La Flor de Nochebuena," or Holy Night (Christmas Eve) flower, inspired many folk stories, such as the one about Pepita, a poor young Mexican girl despairing at not having the money to buy baby Jesus a present. An angel appeared to console her and instructed her to gather a bundle of the weeds growing close by. Pepita’s tears fell upon the weeds, miraculously turning them into magnificent red blooms.
There’s a legend that tells of a Christmas where Franciscan friars held the mass, and as the Star of Bethlehem passed overhead, the leaves turned from green to bright red – and from then on the poinsettia became a symbol of the blood of Christ.
Choose from many winter wholesale flowers to add a stunning floral boost to any festive occasions.
Flowers such as Poinsettias, Roses, Amaryllis, Anemone, Camellias, Star of Bethlehem, Cyclamen, Casablanca Lilies, Lily, French Tulips, Gardenias, Chrysanthemums, Jasmine, Orchids, Mini Gerberas, Narcissus Paper Whites, Evergreens, and Holly, will add elegance and joy this holiday season!
For holiday celebrations, banquets, and other special events this winter, get your fresh wholesale flowers from a trustworthy local wholesaler.
Schaefer Wholesale Florist (SWF) has been serving the Mid-Atlantic area since 1958 as an importer-broker of fresh-cut wholesale flowers from around the world, proudly serving Event/Wedding Planners, Family Owned Grocery Stores, Retail Flower Shops and Wholesale Flower Shops in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Have you stocked up on poinsettia, seasonal bulk flowers, and other floral wholesale supplies yet? Contact SWF today.
