Pretty Poinsettia Has Historical Tie To Philadelphia

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - They're everywhere this time of year, but where did they come from and how did they get here?

Poinsettias are originally from Mexico, but their popularity here has a Philly connection.

A Mr. Poinsett - which is where they get the name we know them by - was the first United States Minster to Mexico. He found the plants fascinatingly beautiful and sent some back to friends in the USA, including a member of Philadelphia's famous gardening Bartram family. Soon after, the Poinsettia made its official US public debut at the Philadelphia Flower show in 1829!

You can learn more about The Poinsettia Story and see some lovely live plants too, now through December 19th in the McLean Library of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at 100 North 20th Street.

The exhibit's free and open Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 5. While you're there, you can enter to win a pair of tickets to the 2015 Flower Show where who knows what new plant wonders may appear next year?