National Poinsettia Day is observed each year on December 12 to honor the bright red plant associated with Christmas in North America and many other parts of the world.
The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the American botanist and first U.S. Minister to Mexico who encountered the plant near Taxco in the late 1820s. He sent cuttings to his home in Charleston, where he cultivated and shared them, helping introduce the plant to American horticulture.
The poinsettia’s modern popularity is also tied to Paul Ecke Jr., whose family developed new propagation techniques and promoted the plant nationally throughout the 20th century. Their work helped make it the best-selling potted plant of the holiday season, a status acknowledged in the 2002 congressional designation of National Poinsettia Day.
In Mexico, the plant is known as La Flor de la Nochebuena, the “Flower of the Holy Night.” Its association with Christmas dates back to the 1600s and is supported by a traditional story of a young girl who brought a modest bundle of weeds to a Christmas Eve service; the offering, according to legend, transformed into vivid red flowers. This connection to holiday generosity and devotion continues to shape how the plant is viewed today.
When Is National Poinsettia Day Celebrated?
National Poinsettia Day is observed each year on December 12. The date offers a natural moment to add a poinsettia to your holiday décor, learn basic care tips for the plant, or explore its history and cultural meaning as part of seasonal traditions.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | December 12, Friday |
| 2026 | December 12, Saturday |
| 2027 | December 12, Sunday |
| 2028 | December 12, Tuesday |
| 2029 | December 12, Wednesday |
| 2030 | December 12, Thursday |
Facts About Poinsettias
Poinsettias are known for their bright color, but the red “petals” are actually bracts, a type of modified leaf. The true flowers are the small yellow structures in the center. Modern varieties extend far beyond traditional red—white, pink, and variegated poinsettias are now common in holiday displays.
They are also the best-selling potted plant in the United States and Canada during the holiday season, with millions sold each year. Poinsettias grow best in bright, indirect light and need water only when the soil feels dry. With steady light and careful watering, many plants stay vibrant well past December.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America and can grow as large shrubs or small trees in warm climates. In parts of southern Mexico, they can reach heights of ten feet or more. The plant was valued by Indigenous communities long before its association with Christmas; the Aztecs used its red bracts to make dye and its sap for medicinal purposes.
Ways to Celebrate National Poinsettia Day
National Poinsettia Day offers an easy way to brighten your surroundings and learn more about a plant deeply tied to holiday traditions.
- Add poinsettias to your holiday décor by mixing colors such as red, white, and pink. Arrange them as a centerpiece, porch display, or small accents around the home.
- Review care tips so your plant stays healthy through the season. Focus on bright, indirect light and watering only when the soil feels dry.
- Give a poinsettia as a present to a friend, neighbor, or family member to share a bit of seasonal cheer.
- Donate a few plants to a local hospital, nursing home, or community center to add color to shared spaces.
- Photograph your display and share it online using #NationalPoinsettiaDay to inspire others to join the celebration.
