Fresh flowers abound in the gardens here at the house! I always keep a fresh
bouquet by the photo of my daughter Jennifer and her son Christopher that is by my bedside.
This week I was able to combine purple and red! Two of my favorite colors.
Poinsettias in Mexico are so prolific that they are everywhere! Right now the jardin and the roadway around town is filled with red ones. Actually it is interesting to know that the yellow center is actually the flower and the red leaves around it are just that, leaves.
They are indigenous to Mexico and named after the former American Ambassador to Mexico, Joel R. Poinsett who died in 1851.
More interesting, to me at least, is the fact that most of the year this tree, which used to be about three feet tall, has no character at all and is just green. It's only at this time of the year that the leaves turn this color. The other observation I have to share is that the butterflies LOVE these blossoms. They almost have a frenzy with the yellow centers. Yesterday I counted about fifteen on the tree all diving and fluttering around. Quite a beautiful sight.
A lovely way to spend a sunny, warm afternoon.
16 comments:
BGack in the Old Country, I thought nochebuenas were just so mundane. Here, I'm fascinated by what I refer to as the mutants -- salmon, yellow, pink, dusty, polka-dotted, striped, and, this year, the curly rose nochebuenas.
When I lived in Los Angeles, I had a 6-foot tall Poinsettia growing outside my window. And my recent trip to DF revealed lots of blooming poinsettias there too.
By the way, in Spanish, they're called "Noche Buena."
Saludos,
Kim G
Boston, MA
Where we only ever see the potted variety.
P.S. I love how your house looks like a castle!
How nice to have a poinsettia tree right in your yard.
I have nochebuena popping up all over from last years crop that went to seed. Mine never get totally red, just a little red star in the middle. Over 3' tall and I have to support them
Jennifer, I'll have to look for the curly rose ones! I haven't been out for my annual purchase. They are setting up tents in Plaza Civica for the growers in the area. I'll venture down later today to buy some cream colored ones - my favorites. They are so delicate looking!
Kim - They are blooming all over town! A joy to see, truly.
And, yes, I know they are Noche Buena in Spanish. I should have used that term, I guess.
I too love the stonework on the outside, as well as the inside of both of the houses. A real treasure!
Nan, if you ever get down here you'll be amazed at all the nochebuenas blooming everywhere!
Sparks, I've tried to take the potted ones and help them survive. For some reason, I'm not successful, darn.
The ones sold at Christmas have been forced, but they can be saved. There really is no need to treat them like a Christmas puppy or dime store turle, tossing them out when the novelty's faded. Nochebuena rescue involves a delivate cycle of pruning, keeping them in the dark, and waiting while they go through an ugly stage. Some won't make it. It may take 2 years for a rescue to look plush and elegant once again.
Millions of nochebuenas are abused every year, and only a few people seem to even care. I am shocked that a place as socially conscious as SMA doesn't have nochebuena rescue.
I am not making this up.
There are several wholesale nurseries around here that take the spent plants and use for cuttings for more plants. I've done what you suggested as I have an area where I start cuttings etc. but haven't had much luck.
A great memory was being on the canals of Xochiamilco one year at this time, back through the locks and saw flat bottom boats, lots of them covered with small potted poinsettias headed to market. A beautiful sight.
Loved being in San Sebastion del Oeste a few years ago and seeing them growing wild. Beautiful!
Loved being in San Sebastion del Oeste a few years ago and seeing them growing wild. Beautiful!
Beck, I'm not familiar with that place.......they are lovely aren't they?
Did not know that little history lesson about Joel R. Poinsett - interesting. Learned something before breakfast! Thanks.
Glad I could bring you information!
And, no I haven't forgotten that I'm going to email you. Life keeps interrupting....ha
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