blue pointsettia

[chessie]

I was at the grocery store yesterday and they had poinsettia in blue, purple and orange. They were absolutely beautiful and so unique looking. I could only buy one so I picked out a blue one. I am not sure if it might be a different plant that they are passing off as a poinsettia. I tried to find some information about it online but was unsuccessful, but If those leaves are not poinsettia leaves I don't know what is.

 

[amid chaos]

Ooooooo, that sounds really unusual! I'd love to see one of those!

 

[Snowwark]

Chessie, I think the poinsettia you bought has had it's bracts (leaves) spray painted blue. Someone correct if I'm mistaken, but I don't think they naturally come in blue. As far as I know, they are available in red, pink, ivory, marbled, coral, speckled, and plum (a deep purple).

I saw a picture the other day, of a blue poinsettia, but of course, now I can't find it!

I'm glad you were so taken with it! Enjoy!

 

[Tulirose]

I was wondering if somehow they added something to the soil to make the flowers change color? Something like food coloring that is soaked up through the leaves or perhaps by changing the acidity of the soil or something??? Don't really know. Just adding my guesses.

HEY! This is my first posting with the new format. I did some poking around for the last few days trying to get used to it. Just before this post, I discovered I could change the "Holiday Color" of the boards to "Serenity Green". I like the color now. There were other choices too.


Edited to add this is actually now my 2ND post using the new format. I had trouble posting this response and had to go the tech board to see why. It seems once you preview your reply, you can't post it directly. Oh well, these little things will all get worked out. In the meantime, no more previewing for me, I guess.

 

[chessie]

I think you are right about the altering of color. I examined it and the really young leaves are white with others having a bit of color in their veins. The more mature ones have a deeper blue, almost indigo, around the edges with lighter blue in the center. It is just really pretty. It would be interesting to know just how they did it.

 

[marydmjj]

Can you post a picture? I haven't seen any unusual colors around here.

 

[Fortuosity]

I've never heard of or seen these and was curious after seeing this post, so I did a search.

http://insects.tamu.edu/feature/poinsettias/ (There a couple pictures.)

The newest thing to hit the market this year, however, are the ‘Painted Poinsettias,’ using dyes to color poinsettia plants instead of relying on the breeders for novel shades. This idea has been popular in Europe and will hit the market in the U.S. this year (see pictures).

 

[chessie]

That looks exactly like my poinsettia. Thanks for finding the photo's. I haven't learned to post photos yet and I hadn't been able to find any information on line. I set my blue poinsettia near my profusely blooming fuchsia and white Christmas cactus. They are just beautiful together.

 

[Fortuosity]

You're welcome chessie. Your arrangement does sound beautiful.

 

[Snowwark]

Thank you for the pics, Fortuosity!

Welcome to the F & G board!!

 

[chessie]

My poinsettia looks awful right now. I don't know if it was the shock of bringing it home,( I don't think it was particularly cold that day), or the coloring process. The bracts are curling and falling off. The ones that are left have faded considerably. My Christmas cactus is finished it's blooming period too. Oh well, In the process I learned something new and had a beautiful display for a few weeks

 

[Tulirose]

My poinsettia looks awful right now.........My Christmas cactus is finished it's blooming period too.......

.......Oh well, In the process I learned something new and had a beautiful display for a few weeks

That's what I like, seeing someone looking on the BRIGHT side of life!!

 

[DebºoºS]

Wow I've never seen a blue pointsettia before, cool. Interesting. Never thought to paint one.
Chessie don't chuck it out. You can carry it over for next year if you cut it back and put it in a dark closet for a few months.

 

[Fortuosity]

Thank you for the pics, Fortuosity!

Welcome to the F & G board!!

You're welcome.

Thank you!