It's one of our favourite times of the year, when the nursery is full of colour with over fifty thousand home grown Poinsettia plants.

It is a little known fact that we at Pentland were one of the first nurseries in the UK to grow the now ubiquitous Poinsettia. 

Poinsettias are part of the Euphorbia family and known as Euphorbia Pulcherrima. Joel Robert Poinsett introduced the plant to the US in 1928 He was a botanist, physician and the first US ambassador to Mexico. 

In the early 60’s David Spray's Father, Joseph, read about them in an American journal and had some sent across from California. In those days we bought in dry woody plants which we coaxed back to life to produce cuttings. Today, with modern technology, we import soft green cuttings from Ethiopia.

In its native Mexico they are a wild plant growing up to 3 m and the coloured parts are not actually flowers but modified bracts or leaves. The actual flowers are the yellow cyathia in the centre and when it is in full flower you can see the bottle brush flower covered in pollen. We treat them with growth retardant and pinch them to keep them compact.

The cuttings arrive in July and are potted into 13cm pots in a very special open compost with lots of food and trace elements included. They are pinched to produce side shoots and spaced out regularly to give a good all round shape. They are grown in a warm, bright, draft free glasshouse and watered and fed until they change colour in November. 

We supply garden centres accross the country with this wonderful plant, which comes in a variety of colours such as whites, pinks, variegated and burgundy.

Many people don't realise that they can actually be kept well after Christmas as a normal houseplant too! They make a lovely gift at this time of year, but also a nice treat to add a splash of colour to your home. 

Join us on our FREE guided Poinsettia walks. Click here to book your place: https://www.pentlandplantsgardencentre.co.uk/events#moreevents

Join us for our very special Christmas shopping event this November and enjoy a fantastic 20% off Christmas and gifts*!

We'll be serving our homemade complimentary non-alcoholic mulled wine on the night, PLUS we'll be opening Cafe Panola late for the occasion with a special BYOB evening menu!

Only £15.00 for two courses. Booking required. Meal served at 6pm.

*Excludes gift cards.


Shopping Event Menu:

Main options

Baked haddock fillet with salmon mousse with dill and lemon sauce ( can be made gluten free if requested)

Roast sirloin of beef with port and baby onion sauce (gluten free/dairy free)

Creamy wild mushroom and chestnut wellington

All served with baby roast potatoes and winter vegetables.

Dessert options

Cranberry + white chocolate cheesecake with creme anglaise sauce

Orange marmalade pudding with a Glayva custard (gluten free/dairy free)

Scottish cheese and biscuits selection with spiced fruit chutney (can be made gluten free if requested)

**Meal served at 6pm** Table reservations can be made via our website https://www.pentlandplantsgardencentre.co.uk/events?fbclid=IwAR0QwBAU3LkTaeaJnmB4EzxDoF7mZHyz2DNxUYKE6hPOiBiVPpuLktn8WWg

We have some gorgeous little lambs visiting again this Easter from our friend's local farm! They'll be in the outdoor plant area at the garden centre from next Friday (12th April), until Monday 15th. Pop in and visit them! 

Next time you pop in for lunch or a cup of tea at Cafe Panola keep an eye out for our book area. We have a lovely selection of gardening reference books to enjoy whilst you have a drink or a bite to eat. They're full of hints and tips, gardening knowhow and inspiration. Perfect for planning your spring/summer garden! 

We have a fantastic new collection of giftware and clothing in store!
Find the perfect gift or a treat yourself. From the latest spring/summer fashions, to pottery, books, accessories, homeware and houseplants, there's something for everyone!