Varieties of poinsettias range from darling to dramatic

Two new varieties of poinsettia, mini pink Princettia and mini white Princettia, are miniatures that will stay small. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko — Two new varieties of poinsettia, mini pink ‘Princettia’ and mini white ‘Princettia’, are miniatures that will stay small. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko

by Connie Oswald Stofko

“Aren’t they the cutest thing you’ve seen?” said Teresa Buchanan, general manager at Lockwood’s Greenhouses, 4484 Clark St., Hamburg.

We were looking at two new varieties of poinsettia: mini pink ‘Princettia’ and mini white ‘Princettia’. Even the name ‘Princettia’ is darling– a blend of princess and poinsettia.

The mini ‘Princettias’ are unusual because they are miniatures; the plants are only about eight inches high and will stay small. This is the first time Lockwood’s, which grows its own poinsettias, has tried a miniature. People love them, Buchanan said, so Lockwood’s plans to grow a larger quantity next year.

A few notes about poinsettias. The colorful parts that we often think of as flower petals are really specialized leaves called bracts. In the center of those bracts are tiny balls– those are the flower buds. On younger plants, the flowers will be tightly closed. On more mature plants, the balls will be opening or already open.

While many people like the traditional poinsettias, there are many other varieties to choose from. They differ not only in size of the plant, but the color and shape of the “flower” as well. Let’s take a look at a few unusual varieties available at Lockwood’s.

Poinsettia Winter Rose — The double ruffle on this poinsettia makes it look like a rose, hence the name ‘Winter Rose’. (Don’t confuse this with a hellebore, another plant popular at this time of year, that is commonly called a winter rose.) While this variety of poinsettia has been around for 10 years, many people are amazed when they see this dramatic plant, said Teresa Buchanan, general manager at Lockwood’s Greenhouses in Hamburg. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko

Jingle Bell Rock poinsettia — Poinsettia ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ was new last year. This stunning plant has a streak of cream (which in poinsettias is considered white) as well as speckles. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko

Polar Bear white poinsettia in Hamburg NY — There is no pure white poinsettia; they tend toward a creamy yellow color. If you’re looking for a white poinsettia, Lockwood’s finds that ‘Polar Bear’ is a variety that is dependably light. Those small green balls at the center are the actual poinsettia flower about to open. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko

poinsettia 'Tapestry' — Poinsettia ‘Tapestry’ looks like variegated ivy leaves with a red flower. You can see the see the bracts (which look like flower petals) changing color. This plant isn’t a miniature, but it doesn’t get very large. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko

Poinsettia 'Pink Ruffles' — Poinsettia ‘Peppermint Ruffles’ is light pink with dark pink speckles. It gets its name from its ruffled bracts. Photo by Connie Oswald Stofko

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Varieties of poinsettias range from darling to dramatic

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