For many people the festive season is not complete without a poinsettia in the house.

When it comes to Christmas, after the tree and lights, stars, and the star-shaped poinsettia, are the most important Christmas symbols, according the results of a survey by the Association of Poinsettia Breeders.

The star-shaped poinsettia was considered an indispensable part of Christmas — and a reminder of the earliest Christmas symbol, the star which guided the Three Wise Men.

Add in the fact that their red and green colouring symbolises Advent and Christmas and it is little wonder that poinsettias have true cult status in most countries.

Amazingly, more than 100 million poinsettia plants are sold across Europe during the Christmas season.

The first poinsettias were bred as houseplants in America back in the 1950s. Since then this gorgeous winter-flowering plant has become a permanent part of the Christmas shopping list and is often the first decoration to be put on display.

Poinsettias now come in a range of colours and sizes, can be as funky as they are traditional and you can easily add a modern twist with this classic Christmas plant.

The key to the poinsettia’s success lies in its impressive adaptability.

It can be presented as a cut flower in a modern vase, in its miniature version as a table decoration, in harmony with natural accessories, as a draped avant-garde composition or as an elegantly arranged classic.

These bushy plants with their colourful main leaves are easy to care for. They are robust and undemanding and thrive in a warm environment.

The poinsettia’s favourite place is a location with plenty of light, but to keep them looking good, make sure that the roots are kept only lightly moist. Too much water would be a disaster.

The flower’s cut stem should be quickly dipped into boiling water, or hold it over a candle flame to keep the plant’s sap from running out.

For more details and local stockists visit the website: www.Stars-for-Europe.info