How to recognize Poinsettia Colors...

Poinsettia Colors
Have you ever wondered how a professional gardener can tell what color a non-blooming poinsettia is? How do we just glance at a plant and say, with confidence, that plant is purple, pink, red, or white?
It's a simple trick that any one can learn. Simply look at the stem of the leaves. They will always be the same shade that the poinsettia is going to turn into. If you are intimately familiar with poinsettias the leaves will also be a hint. For example, Prestige Red has different foliage than Red Velvet. However, for distinguishing the difference between main colors, all you need to do is look at the stem of the leaf.
Some examples are illustrated below:


Prestige Red


Cortez Burgundy (a plum colored poinsettia)


Snowcap (White)


Enduring Pink

I am not, however recommending the purchase of a poinsettia that has not already started to turn shades. Getting a poinsettia to bloom at home can be tough. They need a certain amount of dark (12 hrs. usually) and even street lights or car lights can play havoc with the plant's need for darkness. On the other hand, if you like to experiment or are an 'old-hat' at raising poinsettias, this tip is an easy insurance that you're buying the correct color.