New Poinsettia options are a modern twist for an iconic holiday decoration

Millions of Poinsettias are bought each year as decoration and gifts. Sales continue to increase as people use the plant to create a festive atmosphere. Poinsettias are the epitome of Christmas time and reflect the holiday decorating trends.

While the traditional rich red Poinsettia in a 6-inch pot will garner the most sales, some of this year's Poinsettia trends might help inspire your holiday décor.

2021 Poinsettia Trends

1. 

   Mix Poinsettias with other plants together to make a statement piece. To present multiple gifts in one garden, retailers mix colorful Poinsettias with other potted flowers like orchids, amaryllis, cyclamen, tropical houseplants, Norfolk Island pine, dusty miller, evergreens, and branches in one container. These plants haven’t grown together in this dish and cannot stay together indefinitely but make an impact when grouped together.
   Make your own dish garden masterpiece by using moss to cover the tops of the pots tucked in a decorative farmhouse basket. It is best to leave the plants separate in order to address their individual watering needs and then separate them after the holidays. While the Poinsettia is in full color you will want to avoid the sun, but the other foliage plants will not thrive if they are not returned to sun within three to four weeks.
2. Painted Poinsettias are great way to bring in blues, pinks, purples, oranges and glitter to the mix. Although, there are so many different colors and designs of Poinsettias some colors are still elusive. That's where a rainbow of color options come it. Floral design paint and glittery spray most likely was sprayed on an off-white variety to match your décor. Can’t find these non-traditional applications or the right color? Consider visiting a craft store to floral spray paint and/or glitter.
3. Yellow and Orange Poinsettias are coming into the color mix this year bolder than ever. These clear vibrant colors are beacons in the greenhouse and are reminiscent of fall colors making them viable as decoration for the Thanksgiving holiday.

4. 

   Breeders are still on the search for pure white. Over the years the color has gotten purer but most people still see cream or off-white. 
5. Mini Poinsettias are making their debut as table decorations. If you see these at your local retailers,  buy many for a truly unique table display during the holiday.
6. Cats and Poinsettia really are not arch enemies of the holiday season. You can be a cat or dog person and decorate for the holidays with these quintessential plants. Although care should be taken to prevent ingestion, Poinsettias are only considered mildly toxic, and serious complications are rare.

For after care instruction from a former Poinsettia grower, check out this article, Keep poinsettias vibrant with grower's tips. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelly Allsup is a Horticulture Educator for University of Illinois Extension serving Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties. She meets the educational needs of her community, including local chapters of Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers, through expertise in home horticulture and entomology. Her passion for ecologically-friendly gardening and all things plants makes her a dynamic speaker on topics that range from beneficial insects, growing vegetables and fruits, to urban trees.