Poinsettia a good Christmas gift and decoration

09:14 24th November 2008

A new trend has emerged out of the horticultural mire, according to a gardening expert in the Daily Telegraph.

According to Stephen Lacey, this Christmas will again see the poinsettia being given as a gift and as part of festive decorations following its revival last year.

The plant, once considered the 'height of horticultural vulgarity', has proven to be a popular Christmas choice for gardeners as they look for colour to replace their fair-weather favourites that have been stowed away in the protection of the greenhouse over the winter.

"Put it in a nice warm, bright spot, keep it watered, sing carols around it," advises Mr Lacey.

The plant has cheery leaves that come in a deep red, pink or white and are excellent for adding plant life to the home over the festive period.

Gardeners should remember not to get preoccupied over Christmas and forget about their greenhouse plants.

Special care should be taken to ensure the greenhouse doesn't become too hot or too cold over the winter.