Sunday, December 12, 2010

Happy Poinsettia Day!


Today, December 12th is the official Poinsettia Day! Why today???

Joel Robert Poinsett, botanist and first American ambassador to Mexico, first introduced the Poinsettia plant to the United States in 1825. He brought some cuttings to his plantation in Greenwood, South Carolina. Mr Poinsett died in 1851 and to honour him and the plant he made famous December 12 th was made officially National Poinsettia Day

Poinsettia plants are still a favourite gift from Manotick Florists. This year the White Poinsettia seems to be the fashionable one to receive. Each year the Poinsettia holds true to it's popularity, dressed with fashionable coloured bows or mesh, sparkles and bling. You can even find them grouped with other plants in a festive ceramic container or tiny velvet blooms with ribbon as a party corsage. Artificial large and small, copper or chartreuse - potted sprayed with purple and pinks ... to match any decor! But ... the one that we can all count on and hold traditional in our memories of Christmas is ... the red.

Happy Poinsettia Day everyone!

We are open and delivering on Sundays 12:00 Noon until 4:30!

www.manotickflorists.com 613-692-2541 Manotick Mews shopping center

Monday, December 6, 2010

Are the Poinsettia poisonous?

The Poinsettia's are now leaving the store everyday now to bring the Christmas spirit to homes of friends and families. A day doesn't go by when I am asked about their toxicity worried that their mischievous kitten or dog may decide to have a bite for lunch, or they may have a curious toddler exploring their first Christmas.

No, the Poinsettia is not poisonous ... It is a myth! According to POISINDEX the national information center for poison control centers and the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a child would have to ingest 500-600 leaves in order to exceed the experimental doses that found no toxicity. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that keeping this plant out of the reach of pets to avoid stomach upset is a good idea, however pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure. However, various degrees of stomach discomfort may be experienced depending on the amount consumed .

So there you have it ... not poisonous ... but not made for eating. Keep it up out of reach from the curious tasters in the house so no tummy aches are had during the festive season.

If you have any other questions about the poinsettia, come in or call us 613-691-2541. Find us in the Manotick Mews Shopping Center.