Jan 10, 2017

A Poinsettia Wrap-Up By Jasmina Dolce

Now that the holidays have come to an end, it’s time to look forward and begin planning production for next year’s fall and winter crops. Poinsettias continue to be a top seller leading into winter, and now is a great time to evaluate your poinsettias’ performance.

Last November, I had the opportunity to travel to California to attend EuroAmerican Propagators’ Poinsettia Trials in Bonsall. This was no ordinary trial; the plants were not on display in a greenhouse. We got to see poinsettias in their final destination, a home. John Rader’s home to be exact.

While a traditional greenhouse trial has its advantages, like being able to directly compare various cultivars in a side-by-side setting, this new trial setup gave attendees the chance to observe how the different plants would look at the consumer level. Poinsettias were display on table arrangements, surrounding a Christmas tree, on a front porch, and many other areas of the home.

Consumers constantly say they need inspiration, and this was a perfect example of how poinsettia plants can be used in various settings within the home. Not just as a centerpiece.

Another new element to this trial was the introduction of Rinehart Poinsettias. In 2013, the Rinehart Poinsettias breeding program began, and the company is poised to officially bring its plants to the market in 2017.

Dümmen Orange also participated in the trial and showed off its latest genetics along with some exciting experimentals on the way.

Here are some of the standouts from the EuroAmerican Propagators Poinsettia Trial:

‘Peppermint Ruffles 2017’
Dümmen Orange

This novelty poinsettia has better color retention on the speckled bracts. It has a compact habit and seven-and-a-half week response, assuring early season sales.

Classic #257
Rinehart Poinsettias

This classic red poinsettia has been bred for stem strength. It is compact, high branching and requires little plant growth regulation.

EXP 1549
Dümmen Orange

A sport of ‘Gold Rush’, this experimental presents a true yellow color. It is an early variety and will likely be a 2018 introduction.

Classic #619
Rinehart Poinsettias

One of the clearest whites I’ve seen, this poinsettia boasts a strong upright display. The attractive white bracts do not droop.

Have you trialed any of the above varieties or any new poinsettia cultivars this year? How have they performed? Do you have any favorites? Shoot me an email at jdolce@greatamericanpublish.com; I’d love to hear from you.

— Jasmina

P.S. Be on the lookout for the February issue of GPN, which will include highlights from the National Poinsettia Trials. Find out how all the new varieties performed at North Carolina State University and University of Florida in this in-depth trial evaluation.