DATE:    11/4/99         
WRITERS: Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604
         Dr. Jim Faust, (864) 656-4966       
EDITOR:  Giles Singleton (864) 656-3876

Checking Out New Poinsettias

     CLEMSON -- When it comes to picking colorful poinsettias,
market research has shown that red is the favorite color.
However, be prepared this holiday season to see some stunning new
color combinations and unusual shapes. 
     Greenhouse growers have begun to market the first
poinsettias in burgundy, designer rose, rose-red, salmon-pink and
orange-red. Variegated leaves (green leaves edged with white
trim) are also available. 
     The colorful parts of a poinsettia, commonly thought of as
the "flower," are actually modified leaves called bracts. If red
is your color, there are deep velvety red bracts, perky upright
bracts, droopy bracts, perfectly flat and smooth bracts, and
there are even curly bracts.
      Following are descriptions for a few of the newest
varieties available in garden centers this winter:
     Winter Rose: After more than 30 years of breeding, Winter
Rose sets a new definition of a holiday potted plant. Tightly
curved bracts give this plant a shape that resembles a peony more
than a poinsettia. Some people have referred to Winter Rose as a 
"Dr.Seuss" poinsettia. 
     Also, this amazing poinsettia blooms throughout the winter
months. Look for curly-bracted poinsettias like this to be
marketed as cut flowers over the next few years. 
     Freedom is the most widely grown red poinsettia in the U.S.
Its rose-colored variation, Freedom Rose, has wonderful large
rose bracts. The Freedom family also includes pink, white, marble
--pink watercolor patches on white bracts -- and Jingle Bells --
pink and white flecking on red bracts. Freedom varieties are
popular because they are easy to care for in the home environment
and because they have very dark green, almost blackish, leaves.
     Red Velvet is one of the most spectacular red of all the
poinsettia varieties. Red Velvet has a depth of color that makes
the bracts look as if they are made of deep-piled velvet.
     Cranberry Punch is a fun, rosy red poinsettia with smaller
pointed bracts that give it an old-fashioned look. This variety
can be used in combinations with pink and white poinsettias.
     Peterstar Silverbells and Heirloom Pink  are two new
variegated leaf poinsettias that show color in the leaves as well
as the bracts. Silverbells has white leaf margins that travel
from the leaves all the way up to the marble bracts, while
Heirloom has solid pink bracts on grayish-green foliage. These
varieties are actually most attractive when purchased before the
bracts fully expand, so the foliage is more clearly displayed. 
     Monet Twilight has a unique "airbrushed" appearance with
deep red tones in the bracts.  
     Success has the smoothest bracts on the market. The bracts
are somewhat erect; this characteristic gives the plants a
fresher look at Christmas. Success is considered a late-season
variety because it is usually not in full bloom until Dec 10.
     If you are interested, ask for these varieties at your
favorite garden center. As consumer demand for these new
varieties increases, availability will also increase. --  Bob
Polomski, Extension consumer horticulturist and Jim Faust,
assistant professor floriculture, Clemson University Department
of Horticulture.
                *******************************
     If you have questions or comments on gardening-related
issues, write to PSA Media Relations, Box 340129, A-101 Poole
Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S. C. 29634-0219.
     You might also want to look for other "Buds and Blooms"
columns under 1999 News Releases at : www.clemson.edu/psamedia.
                              END