Holidays in Bloom Although at this time of the year the flowers that bloom in our chilly northern Ohio gardens are fast asleep, some flowering plants from tropical climes have become as popular for decorating our homes during the holidays as holly and evergreens. Thanks to a little greenhouse magic we have blooming bulbs like Amaryllis and Paperwhite Narcissus and tropical beauties like Poinsettias, and Christmas Cactus to add to our holiday cheer. Poinsettias are by far our most popular holiday flower. And no wonder! With their many shades and golden centers, poinsettias are the perfect accent for Christmas evergreens. The poinsettia's botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima means "very beautiful". And they are! The most popular Poinsettia of all time is called Freedom Red. This cultivar has a deep red color and huge evenly shaped bracts. The most popular white Poinsettia is called White Star and features showy white bracts. A new favorite, the Cortez poinsettia, is an elegant deep burgundy. Holiday poinsettia choices don't stop there! There are clear pinks, salmons, golds, roses, striped Monet and speckled red and white Jingle Bells for lively decorating. Other new cultivars perfect for gift giving this year are Senora White Glitter, a red sprinkling on creamy white and Winter Rose, a lovely, small Poinsettia whose flowers resemble a red rose in full bloom. Tall, stately amaryllis originally came from South Africa but, with years of hybridizing, the flowers are more colorful and larger than ever. Each bulb produces multiple stems for a total of four showy blooms. Amaryllis flowers bloom in Christmas shades of red, like Red Lion and the miniature Scarlet Baby and white, like the new double flowered Jewel, or bicolors like Queen of Hearts which features white with just a flush of red at the throat. Like poinsettias, amaryllis also bloom in shades of orange, salmon and pink along with bicolors in red or pink and white. Pot Amaryllis bulbs now for spectacular Holiday color. Succulents and orchids are also impressive holiday choices. Christmas Cactus, a flowering succulent from South America, is a traditional favorite. The unusually elongated flowers in shades of red, purple, pink, apricot and white seem to shimmer in gentle light. An attractive houseplant year ‘round, with a little special care the Christmas Cactus can be brought to bloom year after year. Perfect for gift giving, the elegant white Phalaenopsis orchid is another tropical beauty that has been welcomed into our holiday tradition in recent years. White Phaleanopsis orchids look gorgeous with red poinsettias and fresh greenery. With so many stunning tropicals available it may be hard to choose which blooms will fill your holidays this season. But, no matter your preference, you’ll find an abundant and inspiring selection of lush, greenhouse fresh holiday blooms in the spectacular Winter Greenhouses of Gale’s Westlake.