Did anyone notice? Tuesday, December 12th was National Poinsettia Day. And, how is this flower tied to Charleston and to Christmas?

The Poinsettia, also known as the Flower of the Holy Night or Christmas Eve Flower, is native to Mexico. In 16th-century Mexico, the connection between the poinsettia plant and the Christmas season begun. According to legend, a little girl desperately wanted to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Worried, the girl feared she would have no gift to offer because she was so poor. An angel tells her to give any gift with love. After gathering weeds from alongside the road, the young girl placed them in the manger. Miraculously the weeds bloomed into beautiful red stars.

People give them around Christmas time to symbolize good will and community spirit. In religious communities, the shape of the poinsettia flower is thought to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, with the red leaves of the poinsettia symbolizing the blood of Christ.

Last year I decided to hang on to the poinsettia that was sent to me by a dear friend for Christmas. I figured at some point it would wither and die as spring approached. However, it continued to thrive. Here's what I learned this past year. The plant should be transplanted into a larger pot when it starts to get new growth during the summer months. Also, it likes to be in a warm sunny spot during those months and it should be fertilized - Miracle Grow is fine. Pinch it back to keep it compact. And, get this, just like a Christmas Cactus, it needs continuous sleep (14 hours a night) starting in late September to assure it will flower in December. I put mine in a closet at night and got it back out in the morning to place it back by the window as it loves a sunny spot. My advice is to start with a small one!

Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the Statesman

Charleston born in 1779 and descended from French Huguenots, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett was the first United States ambassador to Mexico. In 1828, he spotted a shrub on the side of the road near Taxco, Mexico and sent cuttings back to South Carolina. Although most botanists considered it a weed, Poinsett continued to study and breed the plant. If you want to know more about how it was cultivated and is now mass produced check out the Paul Ecke Ranch in Southern California.

Returning to Charleston from Mexico in 1800 he married Mary Izard Pringle (1780 - 1857). They purchased 110 Broad Street from Mary's nephew Ralph Steed Izard where they lived for many years. The Poinsett's had a plantation on the PeeDee River in Georgetown County and a home in Greenville County where they spent their summers.

Left: William Harvey House (ca 1757) at 110 Broad Street, Charleston (photographer Charles N. Bayless, 1933, HABS, LOC). Right: 110 Broad Street, present day.

Joel Poinsett was a "special agent" to numerous countries across Europe and South America. He served in the US House of Representatives as well as the South Carolina Legislature. He was appointed Secretary of War by President Van Buren in 1837 and served until 1841. He died in 1851 and is buried at the Church of the Holy Cross in Statesburg, SC.

Poinsett Bridge, SC Route 42. Photo by Jack E. Boucher, 1986. HAER, LOC.

We love old, old, old. Built in 1820 as part of the road from Columbia to Saluda, the Poinsett Bridge was built of stone and is known for its gothic arch. It is believed to have been designed by South Carolinian Robert MIlls, who designed the Washington Monument and numerous other important public structures. It is also believed to be haunted.

In 1991, Congress declared December 12th as National Poinsettia Day to commemorate the date of Poinsett's death.

Christmas at Lois Lane Properties

We give them, we get them, we try to keep them going through the holiday season. Those little potted plants of red, cream, and green have come to symbolize Christmas more than any other plant and we love them.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Lois Lane Properties!