Because of the botanical separation of the flowers to the bracts, the flowers can be fully removed and the bracts will remain healthy. Some people claim that this flower removal makes the bracts last longer, but there is no scientific proof to back this up. Additionally, the poinsettia bleeds white latex profusely when cut, and this juice can run onto the bracts, thereby "ruining" their appearance.
There are many poinsettia varieties available on the market today. A well-stocked garden centre or florist may stock as many as 16 varieties, while the average corner store may only have one variety of red. While at work the other day, I scanned in some bracts, and offer them here for your perusal.
To the left is seen a bract of a white poinsettia on its way to full colouration. From this stage, only another week will need to pass before the poinsettia is fully coloured. Keep this in mind when purchasing poinsettias. The freshest, best poinsettia may not be the most colourful one on the rack!
Jingle Bells
This is one of my favourite varieties. It's bracts are spotted and speckled quite variously, depending on the original source (although only one holds the official plant patent) and cultural conditions.
Monet
This poinsettia made its debut a few years back, and its pointillistic look is said to resemble Claude Monet's impressionistic stylings. It's bracts are marked with tiny red marks, normally more vivid at the margins.
Pink Peppermint
Another pink variety, this one is subtler than Monet and has a peachier tone. Each bract is variously marked with tiny flecks of deeper pink and white, giving it a peppermint candy look. It is rumored that this is the last year that Pink Peppermint will be on the market locally.
Silver Star
This variegated poinsettia was released on the market in 1996, making this its second season. All of it's leaves are varietated, some of the uppermost ones becomming coloured as time progresses. Once fully developed, the bracts themselves are a flat red. This looks like a fun one to grow year-round and save for next year!
Angelika and Angelika Marble
These two bract samples are from 2 apparently separate varieties, although I always have trouble setting them apart. The variation in the white/pink types is subtle, although some are definately more toothed than others.
Growing Tips Here are a few simple tips for keeping your poinsettia looking healthy for as long as possible.
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