If you think that a poinsettia always has to be red, you are wrong. There are many different varieties of poinsettias, which differ primarily in the color of their bracts. You can also buy poinsettias as minis, which are particularly suitable for Christmas decorations.
Which poinsettia varieties are there?
Poinsettias come in different varieties and colors, such as red, white, cream, yellow, pink and even two-tone. Popular varieties include Sonora White, Mars White, Da Vinci and White Glitter. Miniature and bonsai cultivars are also available.
It doesn't always have to be red
The vast majority of poinsettia varieties have bracts in a strong red color. However, there are also a variety of varieties that come in other colors. Most of them are breedings that emerged from the original varieties.
In addition to red, poinsettias can also be white, cream, yellow, pink and even two-tone. The plants with blue flowers that are occasionally offered are not genuine varieties. Here the bracts were sprayed with paint. These plants usually don't last very long because the paint causes the leaves to stick together. These poinsettias are not suitable for keeping for several years.
Some varieties are particularly suitable for growing as mini varieties. Other species are ideal for bonsai cultivation.
You can grow poinsettias for several years
Even if it is time-consuming, you can grow poinsettias and make them bloom for several years.
The plants that come from Central and South America and Mexico must be properly cared for.
This especially applies to the lighting conditions. As short-day plants, poinsettias require a longer period in which they receive less than eleven hours of light per day. You can achieve new blooms if you place the plants in the dark for a few weeks.
Small selection of poinsettia varieties
| Variety name | color | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Sonora White | White Bracts | Standard size |
| Mars White | White Bracts | Standard size |
| Bright White Princess | White Bracts | Standard size |
| Peterstar | Red Bracts | Standard size |
| Angelika | Red Bracts | Standard size |
| Da Vinci | Pink Bracts | Standard and mini shape |
| Pink Peppermint | Pink Bracts | Standard size |
| Maren | Bicolor: red-pink bracts | Standard size |
| Marble Star | Bicolor: white-red bracts | Standard size |
| White Glitter | Red and white speckled bracts | Standard size |
| Lilo | Red Bracts | Mini breeding form |
| Lemon Snow | Lemon yellow bracts | Standard and mini shape |
Tip
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is commercially available under various names. It is called an Advent star, Christmas star or poinsettia. The name Poinsettie is derived from the previously used botanical name Poinsettia.