Two Minutes Du Jour

Greetings from Panama.

While my floral decorations often come from nature walks, I make an exception for Cuetlaxochitl, known in English-speaking locales as poinsettias.

Here in Minnesota, we don’t find these festive blooms growing wild. Instead, I purchased a small plant to nurture in the weeks leading up to Christmas. With some care, I’ve even managed to keep poinsettias thriving in pots for years.

In contrast, my sister in Panama has poinsettias flourishing right in her yard! These are bushes growing tall and lush, filling her outdoor space with bursts of red—a vivid reminder of how different climates shape our landscapes. For some, poinsettias are an outdoor staple; for others, they’re a treasured indoor centerpiece.

Two Links Du Jour:

Garden History & Lore – Cuetlaxochitl: A Cultural History of the Poinsettia

Growing and Caring for Poinsettia – University of Minnesota Extension