Christmas is in full swing at Dobbies Garden Centres across the UK, and this week it becomes even more festive as 40,000 poinsettias arrive at its 52 stores, bringing a spectacular sea of seasonal colour to garden centres nationwide. 

To ensure the plants arrive in peak condition, Dobbies sources its poinsettias from two specialist growers, one in the north and one in the south of the UK. This regional approach helps minimise transportation times, allowing the plants to reach stores looking their very best.

One of the nation's most recognisable Christmas plants, the Poinsettia is as synonymous with the season as mince pies, twinkling lights and Christmas trees, and its arrival is one of the first sure signs that the festivities are getting underway. 

Taking pride of place in stores, the traditional red Poinsettia will be joined by an elegant selection of other colours, giving shoppers plenty of choice to complement their Christmas decor. 

Originally from Mexico, the Poinsettia, also known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, has a history stretching back centuries, becoming associated with Christmas as early as the 16th century. The plant takes its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the American diplomat who introduced it to the United States in the 1820s.

Customer interest in the traditional Christmas plant remains strong. While customers can choose from a range of colours and varieties, classic red continues to be the most popular choice, reflecting its enduring place in festive displays. 

Claire Bishop, Dobbies’ Senior Plant Buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: "There's something so special about seeing the first Poinsettias arrive in our stores. When you see all that beautiful red starting to fill our Houseplant shop, it really does feel like Christmas is on its way, and I think our customers feel that excitement too.

"Poinsettias are one of those lovely Christmas traditions that people come back to year after year, and they're such an easy way to start making the house feel festive, even before the tree goes up. While red remains a classic Christmas favourite, there is also a wide range of colours available, making it easy to find one that suits your style and decor. 

"We had a fantastic response last year, so we're really looking forward to seeing our stores fill with colour again. Whether used for decorating or gifting, poinsettias are a simple yet effective way to bring that classic Christmas feel to any room." 

Claire's top tips for keeping Poinsettias looking their best this Christmas. 

Claire said: "The key to keeping Poinsettias looking their best is warmth and a little care. They don't like the cold, so choose a bright, warm spot away from draughty windows and radiators, where the temperature stays consistent.

"Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Let the top of the compost dry out slightly between waterings and never leave the plant sitting in water. It's also important to protect your Poinsettia on the journey home. A sudden drop in temperature can cause the plant's bracts (the red parts of the plant) to drop, so make sure it's well wrapped when leaving the garden centre, especially on colder days."

Whether displayed on a shelf, grouped together as a festive table centrepiece or given as a seasonal gift, Poinsettias are a simple way to bring a splash of Christmas colour into the home.