By Thea Hegland

All the flower beds have been put to rest and our fifth season in The Gardens is once again upon us. The gradual shift from all the beautiful flowers of the previous seasons seamlessly evolved into an array of colourful lights and festive décor for the holiday season. While the dazzling lights themselves are impressive, what makes the Christmas display so enchanting is the magical setting. Bordering old-growth forests, the 120-year-old gardens are rich with mature trees and shrubs, picturesque ponds, and endless meandering pathways. The historical Butchart residence is like a fairy tale; welcoming with the warmth of a roaring fire and surrounded by beautiful, red Poinsettia plants.

The fiery red Euphorbia pulcherrima known by most as simply Poinsettia, or in some Spanish-speaking countries the Mexican flame flower, has become a beloved holiday adornment.  It seems like Christmas would not be quite the same without these iconic plants.

Perhaps some may wonder how a plant native to the rugged canyons of Guatemala and Mexico became the iconic symbol of the holiday season. Dating back to the early 1600’s, these plants have a deep connection to Christmas in southern Mexico. Rich with folklore and history, these attractive plants with eye-catching red bracts were first cultivated by the Mayans and Aztecs for medicinal purposes, and by the 1800’s they were widely known as Flor de la Noche Buena. Historically used to adorn nativity scenes, it has only been the last 70 years that the infamous red plant symbolic of Christmas has become familiar to these parts.

The Gardens is home to approximately 1,300 Poinsettias. With so many new hybrids to choose from each year, we struggle to find the best of the best. This season, 11 different varieties were selected including the spectacular ‘Winter Rose’. Perfectly named, the unique double-formed red bracts are quite exquisite, and unlike other classic Poinsettia plants. Other notable varieties this year include ‘Jubilee Jingle Bells’ and ‘Pink Champagne’. Each year, the Poinsettia plugs arrive in July and are grown in our greenhouses. Careful monitoring of temperature and light followed by a custom fertilizer schedule ensures these beauties are ready for our festive indoor holiday displays for all to enjoy.

‘Winter Rose’