What plant, that is traditionally coloured red is given as a gift at Christams?

Question

What part of the plant is coloured red?

Answer 1

Poinsettias.

Answer 2

The "Pointsettia", as mentioned by the others.
Much of the U.S. supply comes from nurserys in the San Diego area. then shipped to store around the U.S.

in addition to their plants having red petals
also have first set of red leaves.
If you keep it till next year, only the petals will be red.

The nurserymen can induce red in the leaves by employing a particular photoperiod.
North America does not have this cycle.
But a homeowner can use a growth chamber and artificial light on timers.
It works on a plant its first year, I'm not sure if it can be done for the second and third year.

When I was 12
Xmas day, I use to put a Green stocking on my right foot and "Plant it" on my 11 year-old brother's behind!
Made his behind turn Red!
Does that count?

Answer 3

Poinsetta is a native in Texas where I live and grows as a weed in the sidewalks, the leaves are half red/green. You must get the ones from CA to get the red Xmas leaves going. One man is very rich for coming up with that I think. I was ALSO thinking of Holly too which has bright red berries.

Answer 4

The petals of the poinsetta are red and that plant is usually given as a gift at Christmas.

Answer 5

They are leaves. There are no "petals" on a Poinsettia.
These type of modified or specialized leaves are called Bracts.
The actual flower of the plant is the small yellow structures in the middle of the leafs.

Other type of bracts are Antheriums and Banana flower stalks (These flowers are gorgeous)

Answer 6

I think the flower you're thinking of is the poinsettia. Red flower.. yep definitely it.

Answer 7

The leaves...a poinsietta

Answer 8

poinsettia has red bracts

Answer 9

ponsienta