There is a red alert on this Christmas. Not just for sightings of Santa Claus … but also for buying poinsettias.
People are as keen as ever on the festive flower, using it for decorations in homes, churches and offices.
Barrhead’s two garden centres say demand for the popular plant is positively blooming.
De Herdt Gardens (Southside Greenhouses) resembles a sea of red, having grown 7,000 poinsettias since July. All types are on view, including jingle bells, winter roses, and pink, marble and white ones.
“The red ones are the most popular at this time of year,” said Inge De Herdt, who runs the business with husband, Koen. “People are starting to think about Christmas.”
De Herdt said she was hopeful of selling all the poinsettias.
Anyone interested in buying one, should be aware of its likes and dislikes: it hates the cold, but likes lukewarm water and light.
“You can kill a poinsettia in a couple of days, or it can last until spring,” she added.
At Tru Hardware Garden Centre, employee Melanie Jagersma said a big order had recently come from a Neerlandia school.
“We are doing very well,” said Jagersma.
The centre sells different colours of poinsettia – red, pink, variegated and white.
No prizes for guessing which is the current favourite, although here’s a clue: it matches the coat of Father Christmas.
Poinsettia’s association with Christmas reportedly began in 16th century Mexico when a poor young girl was inspired by an angel to place roadside weeds before a church altar as a gift to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Beautiful poinsettias sprouted from the weeds.
From the 17th century Franciscan friars in Mexico included poinsettias in their Christmas celebrations. The star-shaped leaf pattern is said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, while the red represents blood from the crucifixion.
