National Poinsettia Day 2026
Bring home a poinsettia on National Poinsettia Day! December 12 honors the festive Euphorbia pulcherrima plant in U.S. holiday décor — a secular plant day with a documented diplomatic and horticultural history.
About National Poinsettia Day
History & origins
National Poinsettia Day is observed on December 12. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. minister to Mexico, sent poinsettia cuttings to the United States in the 1820s; the plant was later named for him. The colorful “flowers” people notice are bracts; the true flowers are the small yellow cyathia in the center. California growers, including the Ecke family historically, helped build the modern U.S. potted-poinsettia industry.
Keep the page botanical and cultural. Do not turn it into a religious sermon.
Why it matters
It is a dated December plant holiday with strong retail and décor search interest.
How to celebrate
Buy a poinsettia. Water when the soil surface dries. Keep it away from cold drafts. Photograph the bracts.
Facts
- National Poinsettia Day falls on December 12
- Joel Roberts Poinsett introduced the plant to the U.S. in the 1820s
- Colorful poinsettia “petals” are bracts, not true petals
- The plant is Euphorbia pulcherrima
- U.S. growers built a large holiday potted-plant market around it
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Sunday, December 12, 2027
- Tuesday, December 12, 2028
- Wednesday, December 12, 2029
- Thursday, December 12, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Poinsettia Day in 2026?
National Poinsettia Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, December 12, 2026.
Is today National Poinsettia Day?
No. National Poinsettia Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, December 12, 2026, not today.
What is National Poinsettia Day?
A December 12 observance for the poinsettia plant in U.S. holiday culture.
Who is it named for?
Joel Roberts Poinsett, who sent cuttings from Mexico to the United States.
Are poinsettias deadly poisonous?
They are often overstated as highly toxic; they can cause mild stomach upset if chewed, but they are not the extreme poison of urban legend. Still keep plants away from pets that chew.
How do you celebrate?
Display a healthy poinsettia and care for it through the season.
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