Want to color up those dull December days? Look no further than poinsettias, nature's antidote to those winter blahs. Elegant and unusual, with bracts fanning over emerald foliage, Euphorbia Pulcherrima as it is known scientifically, not only displays seasonal drama but is one the most decorative plants year round. They adorn tables, fireplaces, hallways and yuletide arrangements and many other holiday displays.

Harvested by the Aztecs for their dye, poinsettias were originally brought to the United States by the Mexican Ambassador Joel Poinsett in the 1820s, which they are named after. In many tropical countries like Mexico and my native country of Puerto Rico, they grow like bushes.

Today, more than 80 million poinsettias are sold in our country during winter months. Breeders have played around with their bract colors and can now be found in several colors that include creams, pinks, ambers as well as the traditional red. Intriguing variations continue to hit the market each year, from the

paintbrush-splotched varieties to curly bracts and ruffled leaves this plant continues to be a crowd pleaser.

This tricky process will trigger coloring and continue to keep your plants looking wonderful throughout the seasons. So come next December, when those dull days of winter set in, the beautiful red blaze of these plants will remind you that Christmas is just around the corner.

Upon bringing them home in late November or December, make sure to place in a sunny location. If you can read in the room, the light is perfect.

Some common words found in the essay are:
November December, Puerto Rico, Christmas Poinsettias, Winter Blahs, Euphorbia Pulcherrima, Joel Poinsett, Harvested Aztecs, antidote winter, nature's antidote, winter blahs, leaves bracts, underside leaves, antidote winter blahs, nature's antidote winter,
Approximate Word count = 707
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)