National Poinsettia Day

Categories:: Fun
Tags:: Christian Festivities Historical
Where:: Mexico
Date change rule:: Every December 12
Holiday emoji:: 🌺

National Poinsettia Day blooms every December 12, honoring the festive plant that signals the arrival of the holiday season. Embrace its vibrant colors to elevate your home décor, learn about its fascinating origins, and share the joy of these beautiful flowers with loved ones. Discover new ways to incorporate poinsettias into your celebrations!

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Expected National Poinsettia Day Deals

As National Poinsettia Day approaches, expect florists, garden centers, and major retailers to roll out attractive promotions on these festive plants. In past years, stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot have offered discounts on various sizes and colors, while local nurseries often feature special bundles. Look for deals from online floral delivery services such as FTD and Teleflora, which frequently include poinsettias in holiday arrangements. Even grocery chains like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market often have competitively priced plants. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 12 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Poinsettia Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PoinsettiaDay. Share stunning photos of your poinsettia displays, from classic red to unique variegated varieties, inspiring others with your holiday cheer.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPoinsettiaDay. Post a picture of your favorite poinsettia and ask friends to share their own, fostering a community of festive plant lovers.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PoinsettiaCare. Create short videos demonstrating creative ways to decorate with poinsettias or offer quick tips on how to keep them vibrant throughout the holiday season.

National Poinsettia Day Hero

Joel Roberts Poinsett

Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779–1851) was an American physician, botanist, and statesman who served as the first U.S. Minister to Mexico. During his diplomatic tenure in the 1820s, he introduced the vibrant Mexican plant, known locally as 'Flor de Nochebuena,' to the United States. The plant was later named 'Poinsettia' in his honor, and his legacy is celebrated on National Poinsettia Day.

National Poinsettia Day timeline

2002

Congress created National Poinsettia Day

The House passed a measure recognizing National Poinsettia Day and the contributions of Paul Ecke, the founder of America's poinsettia industry.

The 1600s

Poinsettias appeared in print for the first time

Spanish botanist Juan Balme referenced the poinsettia plant in his writings, calling them by their Aztec name, Cuitlaxochitl — meaning “star flower."

The 1300s

Aztecs used poinsettias

Poinsettia plants were prized by Aztecs who produced a vibrant red dye.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Poinsettia Day

Local businesses can embrace National Poinsettia Day by decorating their storefronts with festive poinsettia displays, creating an inviting holiday atmosphere. Retailers can offer special discounts on poinsettia-themed merchandise or partner with local nurseries for cross-promotions. Restaurants might incorporate poinsettia-inspired colors into their holiday menus or offer a special ‘Poinsettia Punch’ to celebrate the day. Encourage customers to share their photos with your business tagged, amplifying the festive spirit.

National Poinsettia Day FAQs

When is National Poinsettia Day?

National Poinsettia Day 2026 falls on Saturday, December 12, a perfect weekend day to admire and acquire these beautiful holiday plants. It’s an ideal time to refresh your festive decor.

How many poinsettias are sold each year?

Annually, over 35 million poinsettias are sold in the U.S., making them the best-selling potted plant during the holiday season. This figure underscores their enduring popularity as a festive decoration.

What do the different poinsettia colors mean?

While red is the most traditional and popular, symbolizing love and purity, poinsettias also come in white, pink, and marbled varieties. White often represents purity and celebration, while pink can signify joy and success.

Are poinsettias poisonous to pets?

Contrary to popular myth, poinsettias are not highly toxic to pets. While ingesting large quantities might cause mild stomach upset, they are generally considered to have low toxicity. Still, it’s wise to keep them out of reach.

National Poinsettia Day Activities

Make a Poinsettia Punch
Yes, there is such a thing as Poinsettia Punch, and what's more, it's delicious and easy to make. Blend together 14 ounces of cranberry juice with 20 ounces of ginger ale. Throw in a dash of lemon juice for some citrus zing. Then, it's glasses all around and a toast to National Poinsettia Day.
Decorate with poinsettia-inspired designs
Bring out your hidden DIY side and use poinsettias to inspire holiday designs throughout your home. Assemble your children and friends to make unusual poinsettia-themed cutouts for your Christmas tree. Make poinsettias out of stained glass, sand dollars, or other unusual materials. You're only limited by your imagination.
Visit your local botanical gardens.
It's a perfectly lovely way to celebrate National Poinsettia Day. Not only will you be bowled over by the amazing varieties of your favorite holiday flower, but the peaceful environment will do wonders for your blood pressure. Let poinsettias show off for you at holiday time.

Five Fancy Facts About Poinsettias

King Montezuma adored them
The legendary Aztec king believed that poinsettia sap reduced fevers so he had caravans deliver the flowers to him in what is now modern Mexico City.
There are hundreds of varieties and colors
Given that the most popular poinsettia color is red, you may be surprised to learn that among the current 100 varieties of poinsettias, Gold Rush and Christmas Beauty Marble are the latest hot new colors.
They're harmless
Contrary to popular opinion, poinsettias are not poisonous, but it's still a good idea to keep them away from pets because the plants might cause stomach upset and in some cases, vomiting.
They're bestsellers
The poinsettia industry gushes over their plants because they are the best-selling potted plant in both the U.S. and Canada.
They're perennials
Poinsettias are able to bloom after the holidays, but you have to do a ton of work during the spring and summer to get them to do it.

Why We Love National Poinsettia Day

Poinsettias stem from a Christmas legend
What we refer to as National Poinsettia Day is called "La Flor de la Nochebuena" — or Flower of the Holy Night in Mexico. Poinsettias are revered there because of a legend that recounts the story of a poor little girl who despaired of having no gift for Jesus’ birthday. When an angel appears to tell the child that the most important thing is to give a gift with love, the child gathers weeds from the side of a road to place in the baby's manger. Miraculously, the weeds bloomed into gorgeous red star flowers.
Poinsettias were one of the first Mexican exports
Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Poinsett was also an enthusiastic botanist who sent poinsettia cuttings home to Charleston, South Carolina in 1828. When the plant first arrived, early botanists considered it to be a weed. National Poinsettia Day marks the passing of Joel Roberts Poinsett and pays tribute to his love of a spectacular flower.
Poinsettias are big business in America
Paul Ecke, Jr., a farmer in California, became the father of the modern-day poinsettia industry. He is celebrated for discovering a grafting technique which caused the seedlings to branch. Eventually, the flower bloomed into one of the largest and most profitable American businesses. Today, poinsettias contribute about $250 million annually to the U.S. economy.