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What is a bract?
Sometimes mistaken for flowers, the colored portions of poinsettias are bracts which are actually modified leaves.
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Color changes occur according to the length of light exposure.
The flower portion of a poinsettia is a tiny set of petals calledcyathialocated in the center of the bracts.
This poinsettia fills a space at up to 16 inches tall with strong branching and uniform bracts.
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This late bloomer shows best in December and January adding a soft supporting look to red poinsettia varieties.
Add this one to autumn decor or combine it with traditional reds and whites for a distinctly different look.
Mini versions as small as 8 inches are available.
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This compact variety features greater shade tolerance than other poinsettias offering plenty of options for placement.
Bracts open in mid-November in warm shades of peach, yellow and pink.
With good care, color can last longer than two months.
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Christmas Beauty Princess
Christmas Beauty Princess dazzles with bright red bracts and dark pink centers.
It features a strong upright habit with sturdy branching and dark green leaves.
Leaves are medium green and show some variation in shape from oak leaf to oval with pointed tips.
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Monet Twilight is the perfect living, modern art gift for family and friends.
Large bracts open in dark pink graduating to a lighter shade with lime green edging.
Christmas Season cultivars are also available in red and white.
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Candy Wintergreen
Freshen up holiday greenery with an uncommon lime green color displayed by Candy Wintergreen poinsettia.
This variety draws attention with it 20-inch height and classic V-shape with medium to large bracts around open centers.
It’s part of the Robyn collection which includes red, white and marble versions.
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Ice Punch
Order early if you like the lush appearance of Ice Punch poinsettia.
Two toned bracts develop in ruby red with blush pink centers for a softened, but still traditional look.
Highly sought after, this one sells out quickly.
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It’s sensitive to high humidity so confirm to provide good air circulation to extend the bloom.
A late bloomer, look for it to arrive in nurseries around the end of November.
A late bloomer, look for it closer to Christmas and enjoy the amazing color on into winter.
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Bracts feature wavy edges and irregular shapes for added interest.
Green Envy holds color for several months.
Plants color up in late November.
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Cherry red bracts are resistant to premature dropping, need little care, and can last for several months.
SkyStar
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SkyStar creates a mood of celestial celebration and holiday magic.
Plants appear dusted with snow with bright white spots and blotches adorning crimson bracts.
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Place this one near a bright sunny window and enjoy its unique colors for several months.
Large oval bracts feature smooth margins tapering to a point and are set off by dark green leaves.
Varieties include an early red cultivar that begins blooming around Halloween.
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Leaves and bracts mimic the shape of holly leaves with scarlet red color lasting up to eight weeks.
Large bracts and unexpected color give this variety center stage in any poinsettia collection.
Two-toned bracts in a deep rose color fade to coral pink but retain their dusky rose shading.
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Pink Champagne holds its color for New Year’s celebrations and beyond for indoor winter cheer.
More than 200 types of poinsettias currently exist with new varieties introduced by growers every year.
Novelty types and new colors are debuted annually at pre-season poinsettia shows around the country.
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Poinsettias are native to Mexico where they can grow as shrubs or small trees.
They are actually a pop in of semi-evergreen spurge.
Special steps can also prompt somepoinsettia types to survive and rebloomfor ten years or more.
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Growing and Caring For Poinsettia.University of Minnesota Extension
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