Poinsettia – The Main Christmas Flower on the Costa Blanca
On the Costa Blanca, before Christmas and New Year, residents and visitors to the region can see bright red plants on the streets, in shops, hotels, and homes – poinsettias, known in Spanish as Flor de Pascua. These plants have become a visual symbol of the festive season and are actively used in seasonal decorations, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the significance of poinsettias in the Costa Blanca region, where to buy them, typical seasonal prices, and also give recommendations on how to care for and use them in holiday decorations.
What Is a Poinsettia and Why Is It Important in Winter
The poinsettia, or Euphorbia pulcherrima, is an ornamental plant cultivated as a symbol of Christmas and New Year. In Spain, it is called Flor de Pascua, which literally translates to “holiday flower.” Originally from Mexico, it has become an integral part of winter seasonal decor in Europe.
The bright red parts of the plant, often mistaken for flowers, are actually colorful bracts. The true flowers of the poinsettia are small and located at the center of the rosette. Flowering occurs during short daylight periods, making the plant a natural symbol of the winter season.
Why Specifically in Winter
Poinsettias bloom or develop bright bracts precisely when the daylight hours shorten, i.e., in autumn and winter. This biologically explains their active appearance in sales and decorations on the Costa Blanca ahead of Christmas and New Year, when conditions are ideal for festive lighting and decor.
Poinsettia in Culture and Holiday Traditions
On the Costa Blanca, as in many regions of Spain, the poinsettia has become a traditional element of Christmas decor. It is used in:
- home decorations;
- decorating public buildings;
- shop windows and shopping centers;
- decorative arrangements on streets and squares.
In major towns of the Costa Blanca, such as Benidorm, Alicante, Villajoyosa, Calpe, and Denia, the plants are actively used to decorate main streets, parks, and business spaces. This practice helps maintain the festive spirit for residents and tourists during the winter months.
Festive Colors and Symbolism
The red color of the poinsettia is traditionally associated with warmth, joy, and vitality, making it a natural choice for winter decorations. Like Christmas ornaments and string lights, the poinsettia visually signals the arrival of the holiday season.
Where to Buy Poinsettias on the Costa Blanca
Although specific sales locations on the Costa Blanca may vary from year to year, during the season (from late November to late December), the plants are usually available in several places:
- florist shops (floristerías) in the region’s towns;
- garden centers and nurseries;
- seasonal plant markets;
- supermarkets with plant and decor departments.
The largest plant stores in the Alicante province (including the Costa Blanca), such as Verdecora, often carry poinsettias in their December assortment.
Useful Links
Example of searching for garden centers on the Costa Blanca map:
Garden Centers (viveros) on the Costa Blanca – Google Maps
Poinsettia Prices During the Season
Poinsettia prices on the Spanish market during the Christmas season vary depending on the plant’s size and place of purchase. Examples of average prices:
- small plants (~10–12 cm): approximately €2.50 to €6;
- medium plants (~20–35 cm): around €5.50 to €17.99;
- large decorative specimens (>50 cm): prices can reach €25–70 or more in ready-made arrangements;
Some stores also offer options with decorative pots or accessories, which affects the final price.
Care Recommendations for Poinsettias
To keep a poinsettia on the Costa Blanca looking bright and healthy, it is important to follow a few simple care rules:
- place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light but not in direct sunlight;
- avoid drafts and excessive heat from heaters;
- water moderately – usually once a week is sufficient;
- maintain a stable indoor temperature of around 15–24 °C.
Proper care helps preserve the poinsettia’s decorative appeal for an extended period during the winter months.
Poinsettia and Home Safety
It is important to remember that poinsettias contain milky sap, which is considered mildly toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Therefore, it is best to place the plant out of reach of children and pets.
Poinsettias on the Costa Blanca: Practical Tips
Here are some practical recommendations for residents and visitors to the region:
- buy poinsettias at the beginning of December to decorate your home and create a festive mood;
- combine the plant with other seasonal decor elements (garlands, lights) to enhance the visual effect;
- if you want to keep the poinsettia longer, monitor humidity and light levels – this will extend its decorative life;
- choose plant sizes according to your space – small ones are suitable for tables, larger ones for entryways.
Conclusion
The poinsettia is an essential part of the Christmas atmosphere on the Costa Blanca. Its bright colors and traditional role in festive decor create a cozy and cheerful environment in homes, shops, and public spaces throughout the region.
Knowing where to purchase the plant, what prices to expect, and how to care for it will help both residents and tourists make the most of the poinsettia season to create a warm and festive atmosphere.
