- 14.09.2021 /
- Cut flower /
- Decoration tips
Poinsettias and design; at first glance these words might seem a contradiction in terms. After all, the plant is still struggling to gain a more modern image but, take a closer look, and you’ll quickly realise the great potential of the poinsettia, which hardly any other winter-flowering plant can match in terms of versatility and decorative possibilities. Thanks to its wide range of colours, sizes and growth habits, the poinsettia is not only a favourite pot plant, but as a cut flower too, it outshines most other winter bloomers. With its huge mock flowers and extra-long vase life it is ideal for modern floral arrangements, as the following festive designs and bouquets show.
Floral masterpieces in delicate blush tones
Star-studded: In this magical Advent wreath in romantic blush tones, cut poinsettias are placed close together in a foam wreath. In pink, rose and apricot, the showy bracts create a real firework display of colour. Shiny Christmas baubles and decorations in the centre of the wreath are the perfect finishing touches.
The poinsettias are teamed with coloured dried flowers, such as glixia (starflower), and grasses such as Bunny’s Tail (lagurus), as well as long (sprayed) pussy willow stems. Then matching dusky pink taper candles are added.
The picture on the right shows that simple green living and bold floral creations don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With their huge mock blooms, the pink cut poinsettias in this arrangement are a real showstopper.
Together with fresh berried eucalyptus and winterberry (ilex verticillata) branches, coloured and natural miscanthus and Bunny’s Tail (lagurus) grasses, they make a chic display that’s guaranteed to create a festive vibe in the run-up to Christmas.
Contemporary poinsettia designs in cool shades of blue and white.
A contrast with the minimalist interior makes this stylish hanging installation of cut poinsettias and dried florals look really impressive. The combination of subtle shades of blue, grey and natural tones accentuates the glow of the white and cream poinsettias. With its deliberate simplicity, the table decor cleverly echoes the style of the ceiling installation, without distracting from the focal point in the room itself. In this minimalist Scandi interior, this artistically arranged Advent wreath of cut poinsettias, echeverias (succulents) and mixed dried florals will be the ultimate showstopper. The subtle shades of blue, grey and natural tones make the white and cream poinsettias stand out.
With a foam wreath base and a bit of skill, you can make this arrangement yourself. Important: Soak the foam thoroughly before inserting the cut poinsettias.
In the picture on the left, a modern Advent design of cut poinsettias and various dried florals makes a stylish and sophisticated feature. The colour combination of natural tones, blue and white is echoed in the room scheme, creating a harmonious look overall.
Stylish floral gifts with cut poinsettias
If you visit a specialist shop such as a florist or garden centre in the last few weeks of the year to buy a stylish, modern floral gift, a poinsettia may not be the first thing you think of. Yet cut poinsettias can be used to create highly artistic bouquets that will definitely impress even those with high design tastes.
Dream in blue, white and cream: In these two designs, white and cream cut poinsettias have been combined with various dried florals. The blue of certain elements creates decorative accents and a striking contrast to the dominant white, cream and neutral shades.
Tip: If you place the poinsettias in flower tubes filled with water, this bouquet makes the perfect room centrepiece without needing a vase.
Tip: If you place the poinsettias in flower tubes filled with water, this bouquet makes the perfect room centrepiece without needing a vase.
Incidentally, mini bouquets of cut poinsettias and selected dried florals are also a great way to decorate Christmas presents.
Tip: If sustainability is important to you, you can also use a beautiful fabric instead of paper for wrapping. Tip: To prevent the fabric getting stained, either wrap the poinsettia stem with green florist tape or put it in a flower tube filled with water.
The right cutting technique for a longer vase life
Cut poinsettias stay fresh for up to two weeks if you seal the cut ends to stop the sap leaking. To do this, immediately after cutting, first dip the stems in hot water of about 60 degrees for a few seconds, then into cold water and then place them in fresh water.
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