Poinsettia Coloring Pages

Brighten Up Christmas! Poinsettia!

Poinsettia is a super pretty plant that you can see at flower shops and homes around Christmas time. Poinsettia belongs to the spurge family and the spurge genus, and its Japanese name is Shojoki. The most noticeable red parts look just like stars, don't they?

Where Was It Born?

Poinsettia comes from warm, sunny places like Mexico and Central America. That is why it does not like cold winters. The Poinsettia you see in Japan are grown with great care in warm places like greenhouses.

The Red Parts Are Leaves Called "Bracts"!

The red parts that everyone thinks are flower petals are actually special leaves called "bracts" that changed color. So, do you know where the real flowers are?

• The real flowers of Poinsettia are tiny blooms right in the middle, in those little yellow dots. They are super small, so take a close look!
• Bracts do not just come in red. There are many types, like pink, white, yellow, and even spotted ones!

The Secret of the Name Poinsettia

The name "Poinsettia" comes from an American man named Mr. Poinsett who lived in Mexico long ago. It is said that Mr. Poinsett found this plant and brought it back to America, which helped spread it all over the world.

The Meaning of Poinsettia Flowers

The meaning of Poinsettia flowers changes depending on the color.

• Red: Means things like "blessings," "holy night," "wishing you good luck," and "my heart is burning."
• Pink: Means things like "thoughtfulness" and "purity."
• White: Means things like "a beloved person" and "wishing for your blessings."
• Yellow: Means "wishing for your happiness."

How to Choose Colors

When you think of Poinsettia, you think of Christmas colors!

• Bracts: These are the big leaves at the top that stand out the most. Bright red is the most famous color, but it looks so pretty in pink, white, or yellow too. Pick your favorite color!
• Green bottom leaves: These are the green leaves under the bracts. If you color them with dark green or mix in a little yellow-green, the red at the top (the bracts) will pop even more!
• Middle flowers: Try coloring these tiny dots with yellow or yellow-green. If you make little dots with your crayon, they will look just like real flowers!

How to Make It Look 3D

Let's color every single leaf to make it look full of life!

• If you color a little darker around the line in the middle of each leaf (veins), or leave the lines white, it will look just like a real leaf!
• Color the tips of the leaves a little light and the bottoms a little dark to make them look 3D.
• Where the leaves overlap, color the leaf underneath a little darker. This makes a shadow and shows how they overlap!

Draw a Background Too!

Decorate around your Poinsettia to make it look even better!

• Try adding a flower pot for your Poinsettia or some pretty gift wrap around it.
• If you draw a Christmas wreath, bells, sparkly stars, or snowflakes around it, it will feel even more like Christmas!
• It is also fun to draw a line underneath and color it so it looks like it is sitting on a tablecloth.

Tips to Enjoy Your Coloring Page!

You do not have to use real colors. Color it how you want and say, "I wish a Poinsettia like this really existed!" For example, a blue Poinsettia or a rainbow Poinsettia would be wonderful too! Have fun coloring any way you like!