Garden Greenhouses & Exquisite Floristry

Frequently asked plant questions

Your plant questions are answered by the Stony Hill Plant Person, Carole Stober.

How can I make my poinsettias last a long time?

With a little care, your poinsettia should last you two or three months. In fact, you may actually get tired of it and throw it out before the “blooms” are gone!

That’s because the “blooms” are actually colorful leaf bracts. If you look closely at the center of the bracts, you’ll find small, yellow or white flowers.

Poinsettias come in a wide range of colors. At Stony Hill, you’ll find red and white poinsettias, plus varieties such as Jingle Bells, Pink Peppermint, Marble, Winter Rose and others. They’re in 4- to 10-inch pots.

Although poinsettias are tropical plants, once they’re blooming they should be kept cool. Ideally, keep them around 60 F or 62 F. That will help the flowers last the longest.

Keep your poinsettia:

* in bright light and out of dark corners.

* away from hot air ducts or cold drafts from doors or windows.

* moderately moist. Don’t let it dry out and wilt, but don’t over water it, either.

People sometimes ask us if poinsettias are poisonous to pets or children. We’re happy to say that no, they’re not! They’re not intended to be eaten, though, so keep them out of the reach of children or curious pets.

If you follow these steps, you should enjoy your poinsettia for two to three months.

I planted a mum last year, but it didn’t come back.

What did I do wrong?

The chrysanthemums sold at Stony Hill Farm Market and Stony Hill Gardens are hardy and should return every year. They can also be grown in a container like an annual.

To ensure that your mum returns, you need to take two important steps. First, plant it in the ground no later than mid September. The earlier you plant it, the better chance it has of getting its roots established and making it through the winter. Choose a location that gets at least half a day of sun.

Second, you need to make sure it gets plenty of water, even as the weather gets colder. The plant may look finished, but its roots are still growing.

To keep your mum looking healthy and blooming freely, be sure to snip off the flowers as they fade. This allows the buds further in the plant to develop.

You don’t need to fertilize your Stony Hill mum, because we’ve done it for you.

After the plant dies, don’t cut it back. Wait until March to cut it back to the ground. To get the most blooms, you’ll need to pinch it back three or four times, depending on the variety. Pinch it the first time when it’s 3" or 4" high. The final pinching should be on July 4. It’s okay if you don’t pinch your mums. Unpinched mums will be taller and will bloom earlier than if they were pinched back.