Photo & Article by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Little says Christmas more than a pointsettia plant. With festivally scarlet-colored blossoms that welcome, a pointsetia lights up a spot.

Native to Mexico, the plant’s name is derived from John Poinsett who was the first ambassador from the USA to Mexico in the 19th Century. Pointsett had botantical plantations at his home in South Carolina and sent some of these cherry, red plants back to the states which is how they were introduced in America.

They are thought to bring good luck to both the giver and receiver ” if handled with affection.” Keep your poinsettia in a warm room and mist it daily, experts suggest. With proper care,  pointsettias can live all year.

The shape of the pointsettia’s blossoms is said to resemble the Star of Bethlehem which guided the Wise Men to Jesus.