The South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station will once again welcome the public into its greenhouses for the annual Poinsettia Open House. The event invites consumers, retailers, wholesalers, and growers to view more than 50 poinsettia varieties at the height of their seasonal color. The open house will take place on Friday, December 5, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at 711 West North Street in Poplarville, Mississippi.
This year's display will showcase a diverse selection of both traditional favorites and new introductions. Returning visitors will find familiar varieties such as Superba New Glitter, known for its distinctive variegation, alongside the debuting Superba Poker Series, which includes striking color combinations such as Red & Pink, Red & Marble, Pink & Marble, and Dark Glitter.
© Mississippi State University
Several new and improved cultivars are set to make their debut in 2025. The enhanced Lemon Glow offers brighter and more consistent yellow bracts, while the Christmas Beauty series expands with the addition of Christmas Beauty Queen and CB Prince, complementing the established Christmas Beauty Princess. Two compact early-season options, Christmas Glory White and CG Pink, have also been introduced to provide growers with uniform, space-efficient crops suited for retail markets.
Attendees will be able to view a full spectrum of poinsettia colors, from classic reds, pinks, and whites to unique orange, peach, yellow, and maroon varieties. The exhibit will also feature selections with variegated foliage and distinctive leaf forms, offering insight into current breeding trends and consumer preferences.
© Mississippi State University
The open house provides an opportunity for visitors to compare growth habit, bract size, and finish timing through side-by-side displays. Experts will be available to discuss production techniques, performance data, and market insights, assisting growers, retailers, and wholesalers as they plan for the 2026 season. Home gardeners will also benefit from research-based guidance on poinsettia care and selection, aimed at achieving long-lasting holiday color.
In addition to the greenhouse exhibits, a hands-on evergreen wreath workshop will be held both days of the event. Participants will create and decorate fresh fir wreaths using natural materials such as cones, pods, and berries, offering a festive and fragrant take-home project.
The South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station's Poinsettia Open House continues to serve as both an educational and inspirational event for professionals and plant enthusiasts across the region, celebrating the artistry and science behind one of the holiday season's most iconic plants.
For more information:
South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station, Mississippi State University
mafes.msstate.edu/
