POINSETTIA FOR KEEPS

Poinsettias are a must-have decoration for Christmas, and make a striking feature grouped en masse. They come with not only the traditional red, star-shaped leaves but in creamy yellow and marbled pink shades to suit a more contemporary decor. To restore healthy, green plants to their show-stopping colour for Christmas, keep plants in total darkness for 14 hours each day for up to eight weeks. You’ll trick them into thinking that winter has come early! Start the process in early autumn.