Pointsettia: The Christmas Star

The pointsettia is probably the most recognizable Christmas flower around.  It comes in reds, pinks, and whites.  I remember as a kid having that flower in our home.  In my first apartment, my landlord left one on my doorstep with "Merry Christmas" attached to it.  As a single female, starting out in a new city, that small gesture from my landlord brought Christmas cheer in the shape of a flower. 

Somewhere along the way, the poinsettia got a bad rap of being poisonous if eaten.  However, people all over still take their chances in homes with pets and kids.  What is it about this flower?  Sure, the amaryllis and paperwhites bulbs are all over the shelves as well, but the pointsettia is holding it's own in this flower market.

Taken from the Teleflora website, I love this description of the meaning of the flower:
"Also known as the Christmas Star and Christmas Flower, it’s said that this winter flower’s association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend. The story goes that a child, with no means for a grander gift, gathered humble weeds from the side of the road to place at the church alter on Christmas Eve. As the congregation witnessed a Christmas miracle, the weeds turned into brilliant red and green flowers."

First, we all love a miracle, who doesn't?  Second, what gardener could resist the miracle of turning weeds into flowers?!  That's even better than water into wine for those of us who prefer to get our hands dirty.  So bloom on beautiful pointsettias spreading Christmas cheer!