Nothing brightens a space quite like colorful plants, and when it comes to seasonal vibrancy, Crotons and Poinsettias are stars of the show. The stunning foliage of Crotons (Codiaeum variegatum) brings autumn’s signature colors—rich reds, oranges, and yellows—into your home and garden. These tropical perennials thrive outdoors in containers or nestled among other plants. Crotons are a perennial tropical shrub. They hail from Malaysia and India, so bring them indoors before the first freeze, where their beauty can be enjoyed all winter.
Versatile Crotons thrive both indoors and outdoors.
Crotons come in various sizes and leaf shapes—broad, narrow, and even spiraled—each with eye-catching patterns and hues. When Crotons are outdoors, they need frequent watering and prefer part-shade. Indoors, a sunny window will help maintain their vibrant foliage throughout winter. Ensure the soil stays evenly moist but not wet, and use a saucer to catch excess water, protecting surfaces. Crotons make fantastic houseplants, transforming any space with their colorful display. I grow mine outdoors in part-shade throughout summer, allowing them to flourish before transferring them to larger containers as they grow.
Don’t forget the many other fall plants available at garden centers—snapdragons, dianthus, sweet alyssum, pansies, and ornamental kale and cabbage. These hardy plants thrive in sunny, well-drained spots or containers and bring beauty to your garden through the cold season. Be sure to water them before any freeze and cover them if temperatures dip below 25 degrees.
Festive holiday wisdom
As we move into the holiday season, Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) take center stage with their festive colors and rich history. Legend tells the story of Pepita, a young Mexican girl who did not have money to buy baby Jesus a gift on Christmas Eve. Seeing her in tears, an angel appears to tell her to gather a bouquet of the weeds growing in a field. When her tears fall upon the weeds as she enters the church, they turn into glorious red blooms. This heartwarming tale reminds us of the beauty that can arise from simple gestures.
The ancient Aztecs considered the Poinsettia symbols of purity. In today’s flower language, red, white, and pink varieties symbolize good cheer, success, and wishes of mirth.
Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico and an amateur botanist who introduced the plant to the U.S. in 1825, Poinsettias also carry names like Mexican Flame Leaf, Winter Rose, and in Turkey, Atakurk’s Flower, as because it was a favorite of Atakurk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Poinsettias: The more the merrier!
There’s no such thing as too many Poinsettias when decorating for the holidays. Available in various colors, the red, pink, and white “flowers” are known as bracts—modified leaves that last through the new year. The flower is the tiny ball-looking part in the center of the bracts. The bracts are why Poinsettias last so long.
Growers meticulously time their crops to be ready right after Thanksgiving, starting to produce this vital crop as early as August. For holiday inspiration, visit the Fort Worth Botanic Garden or the Dallas Arboretum to marvel at the stunning Poinsettia displays. Be sure to bring your camera to capture their beauty!
Once you bring your Poinsettias home, check the soil regularly to keep it moist but not soggy. Avoid placing them near heater vents or drafts. Water the soil directly, rather than the bracts or leaves, to keep them looking fresh throughout the season.
Discover a variety of colorful plants.
Garden centers offer options beyond Poinsettias, including Amaryllis, Christmas cactus, paperwhites, orchids, anthuriums, and rosemary for holiday decorating or gifting.
This year, give a gift that grows and spreads joy long after the holidays have passed.
