National Poinsettia Day

December 12, 2011 is

National Poinsettia Day

Celebrate National Poinsettia Day! Although poinsettias are native to Mexico, 90% of all poinsettias are now exported from the United States. The Aztecs considered poinsettias a symbol of purity because of their brilliant red color. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, introduced these gorgeous flowers to the United States in 1820s. While visiting Taxco, Poinsett found the flowers growing on a hillside and sent some of them to his home in South Carolina. The flowers grew well in his greenhouse and Poinsett began distributing them. The name “poinsettia” soon became the accepted name of the flower in English-speaking countries. To celebrate National Poinsettia Day, purchase a beautiful poinsettia plant for a friend or for yourself! punchbowl.com