Renowned gardening expert Brian Minter is championing a more thoughtful approach to the classic Christmas poinsettia, urging Canadians to look beyond the mass-produced rows found in big-box stores. In his November 2025 feature, Minter laments that the floral industry has reduced the No. 1 indoor Christmas plant to a simple commodity, but he highlights the incredible diversity of modern varieties that offer far more creative potential for holiday décor.
The Tiny Titans: Pixie Poinsettias
Minter reveals that his absolute favourites are the diminutive 'Pixie' poinsettias. Propagated late in the season, typically in August, these tiny plants are grown in 2.5 or 3-inch pots and produce a single, charming bloom just in time for the holidays. He praises them as the most versatile and connective option.
Their small stature makes them ideal for a desk, a small tabletop, or a windowsill, adding a festive touch without overwhelming the space. Minter notes they are particularly appreciated as gifts for those who are less mobile. Beyond solo display, he loves incorporating Pixies into small container arrangements alongside Christmas ferns, kalanchoes, other mini tropicals, and even succulents, thanks to their shared euphorbia family traits.
While their tiny pots require a bit more diligent watering, Minter assures that Pixies are otherwise very easy to care for, making them a perfect low-maintenance holiday accent.
Versatile Four-Inch Pots and Creative Combos
Moving up in size, Minter points to poinsettias in 4-inch pots as another highly versatile choice. Available in a wide spectrum of colours, they can fit into almost any nook in a home or office. He recalls their past role as the centrepiece in 'mumsettias'—a combination with white chrysanthemums—but notes the partnership has evolved.
Today, the popular trend is the 'kalsettia,' which pairs a 4-inch poinsettia with a white kalanchoe, a combination that lasts significantly longer. Another favourite is the 'fernsettia,' where the poinsettia is beautifully surrounded by various types of small ferns.
For those who love to design, Minter suggests planting single-bloom poinsettias together in low bowls. This allows for spectacular combinations of traditional red, white, and pink, or the creation of unique colour palettes using the many new varieties and colours available today.
Unbeatable Value: Multi-Bloom Poinsettias
When it comes to getting the most for your money, Minter asserts that multi-bloom poinsettias grown in small pots provide the best value on the market. When well-grown, they produce a significant and impressive display of blooms while remaining compact enough for numerous locations.
He emphasizes that these multi-bloom gems create a particularly classy look when planted in a quality container. Furthermore, the four-inch pot size is where most growers cultivate the greatest selection of new varieties. Beyond the classic reds, whites, and pinks, shoppers can find bicolours, tricolours, speckled poinsettias, and an expanding range of pinks, salmons, and burgundies.
Minter singles out a few personal favourites, including a very deep red variety speckled with white, and the 'Tapestry' variety, which features dark red blooms against variegated yellow and green foliage. He concludes that these popular multi-bloom poinsettias are the ideal size for table centrepieces and seasonal gatherings, offering both beauty and practicality for the Canadian holiday season.
