December 1, 2009

Growing Green
with Extension Educator Robin Trott

Holiday Flowers

I love a little color among my Christmas greenery, and am sorely tempted by all the beautiful Christmas flowers that show up this time of the year.

My favorite holiday bloom is the poinsettia. In pink, white and red, these flowers lighten up the dark evenings of winter, and blend well with the dark green garlands that grace my dining room this time of year. Remember that the poinsettia is a tropical plant, native to Mexico. To keep it looking its best, place it in a brightly lit area. Check the soil frequently, keeping the soil moist to the touch. If your poinsettia comes home in a decorative foil wrapper, slice holes in the bottom and place the pot in a tray to catch drips.

Amaryllis are wonderful bulbs for holiday bloom, and they don’t need the cold treatment that tulips and daffodils do. Simply place your bulbs in a decorative pot filled with moist potting mix. Plant the bulb so that the top 1/3 of the bulb is above the soil and place in a warm, sunny spot. Only water when the top inch of soil seems dry, as overwatering can rot the bulb. Once your amaryllis has bloomed, turn the pot regularly so the plant doesn’t lean in one direction.

Paperwhites are a fragrant, white, small daffodil like flower that also grows from a bulb. Like amaryllis, they do not need any cold treatment. Paperwhites can be planted close together: 12 bulbs/ 10" pot, with the top inch of the bulb exposed above the soil. Place in a sunny window, and water so the soil is moist. In about a week or two you will see new growth, and in no time you will be enjoying winter blooms.

If you are looking for a wonderful holiday flower display, make sure to make the trip to the Como Conservatory in Saint Paul. This year’s holiday flower show starts on December 5, and features poinsettias. Reiger Begonias will join the poinsettias in a spectacular holiday floral display.

The Windows on Winter garden display and the Making Spirits Bright Holiday music event turn the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum into a holiday wonderland. Throughout December the gardens outside the Oswald Center and Snyder building will be decked in holiday regalia. View the displays from inside, or brave the cold for an up close view. For a schedule of the holiday performances, please visit the Arboretum website at http://www.arboretum.umn.edu.

Holiday cheer to you and yours!

It is the season of the heart
A special time of caring
The ways of love made clear
It is the season of the spirit
The message if we hear it
Is 'Make it last all year'
- The Muppets