Occasions
National Poinsettia Day in the United States: 12 December
United States · Nationwide
National Poinsettia Day is celebrated on 12 December in the United States. To give one, choose a potted plant in a colour they like and a size that fits their home. You can bring it on a December visit without waiting for your Christmas gathering.
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United States
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A date for poinsettias before Christmas
National Poinsettia Day is dedicated to the plant also known in Spanish as flor de Pascua or nochebuena. It has its own date on 12 December in the United States calendar.
Choosing the plant you will bring
Think about where it will stand with its decorative pot. The whole arrangement needs to fit in a bright spot away from cold draughts and heat sources. If the space will not suit a plant, choose a bouquet for the visit instead; the bouquet-or-plant guide helps compare the options.
Alongside the colour, look at the leaves, branches and small central flowers. Choose a plant without wilted or broken parts and with central flowers shedding little or no pollen. The red, pink or white parts that stand out are bracts. The flower page explains care without having to put every instruction on the card.
Preparing pickup for the 12th
In cold weather, collect the plant after your other errands and take it protected straight to the destination. Arrange an indoor handover so it will not wait on a porch. When ordering from another city, specify the town, ZIP code and full 12 December date with a receiving window in local time.
An order and a card for your visit
You could order “I would like a poinsettia to give on 12 December. It will stand on a side table 35 centimetres wide. I would like to see it with its decorative pot and take it wrapped for the walk to the car.” That measurement is for the available space, not just the pot’s diameter.
For the card, you could write “A little colour for your reading corner. It is lovely to see you before the Christmas get-togethers begin.” Change the spot and plan to make the message your own.
Which flowers to choose
Compare flowers to choose the format, colours and care that suit the occasion.
Guides to help with your decision
Christmas flowers in the US: poinsettias, amaryllis and gifts
Christmas Day is December 25 in the United States. Compare a poinsettia with amaryllis and arrange flowers ahead of a family gathering.
Should you give a bouquet or a potted plant?
Choose a bouquet or plant around taste, light and daily routines. Compare phalaenopsis and kalanchoe care and use practical delivery examples.
How to pack and transport a bouquet of flowers
How to protect a bouquet by car or plane. Packing and water for the journey, bringing flowers into the United States and checks on trips involving Hawaii.
Frequently asked questions
Does the poinsettia have to be red?
You can also choose pink, white or other available varieties. 12 December does not require a colour; choose for the particular plant and the place where it will be enjoyed.
Sources and what they support
- Mississippi State University Extension · Selecting and Maintaining Poinsettias
Identifies National Poinsettia Day as 12 December. Publication 2573, edition POD-05-26. Establishes neither a gift obligation nor the legal creation of the date.
- Congressional Record · 22/7/2002, H 5033
On H5033 the speech mentions 12 December as traditionally recognised National Poinsettia Day. The text read for H.Res.471 honours Paul Ecke and expresses condolences; it does not create that date. No trade figures or incidental historical claims are reused.
- Iowa State University Extension · Selection and Care of Poinsettias
Guide reviewed 11/2025: bract colours, choosing central flowers shedding little or no pollen, cold protection, a bright position and drainage. Guarantees no lifespan, stock or flowering on a specific date.
How we put these guides together
We review dates, care and recommendations to help you plan each gift.
Spotted something we should review? Contact Agenda Floral.