Dobbies receives 40,000 poinsettias for Christmas season
Dobbies Garden Centres has taken delivery of 40,000 poinsettias across its 52 UK stores as the retailer prepares for the peak Christmas trading period.
The 52 site garden centre group sources the plants from two specialist UK growers, one in the north and one in the south of the country, helping to reduce transport times and maintain plant quality.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico and have been associated with Christmas since the 16th century. The plant, Euphorbia pulcherrima, was introduced to the United States in the 1820s by diplomat Joel Roberts Poinsett, whose name it now bears.
Traditional red poinsettias remain the most popular choice among customers, although Dobbies is also offering a wider range of colours. The retailer says customer interest in the festive houseplant remains strong.
Claire Bishop, Senior Plant Buyer at Dobbies, said the arrival of poinsettias is one of the signs that Christmas has arrived in stores. She added that the retailer saw a strong response from customers last year and expects demand to remain high this season.
Dobbies is advising customers to keep poinsettias in a warm, bright location away from draughts and to avoid overwatering.