Mrs. Fannie Wells of Climax received a poinsettia plant as a gift, more than ten years ago. She decided to plant it when the Christmas decorations came down and see what would happen. Each year since, it has come back and bloomed for Mrs. Wells.

However, this year it is even more spectacular than usual. The plant stands nearly five feet tall (and nearly as wide) and has more than 40 blooms shining in the morning sun.

No flower says Christmas quite like the Poinsettia. Poinsettias are native to Mexico. The first United States Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Robert Poinsett, introduced the plant to the United States. Today, the plant is synonymous with Christmas. Also known as the Lobster flower and the Flame Leaf flower, due to the red color, poinsettias are tropical plants and will die back with the first frost.

The lack of frost, so far this year, has allowed Mrs. Fannie’s poinsettia to continue to bloom and grow. Mrs. Fannie says the plant likes water and she keeps it watered year round; even when it is dormant. She also recommends a granular fertilizer like 10-10-10 for the soil. Obviously, her labor of love has paid off with grand dividends this year.

So, don’t throw away those beautiful plants after the Christmas season has passed. Plant them. Mrs. Fannie recommends taking the poinsettias you have and find a good spot with protection from the North wind, preferably somewhere with southern exposure and sun. Who knows, next year you may have a Christmas plant growing in your yard.