MSU Poinsettia Open House set for Dec. 5 and 6 in Poplarville

POPLARVILLE, Miss. -- Horticulture consumers, retailers, wholesalers and growers are invited to the annual Poinsettia Open House at the Mississippi State University South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station in Poplarville.

The station’s greenhouse doors will open to the public Dec. 5 and 6, allowing attendees to explore over 50 poinsettia varieties in peak seasonal color. Attendees will receive surveys to choose their favorite varieties and will receive one poinsettia to take home.

The event also offers research-based information on poinsettia selection and care and a hands-on evergreen wreath making workshop. Event hours are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6. The station is located at 711 West North Street.

Growers, retailers and wholesalers can view side-by-side displays that allow for comparison of growth habit, bract size and days to maturity. Experts will be available to discuss production techniques, performance trends and market preferences, which can help professionals plan for a successful 2026 growing season.

Home gardeners and plant lovers can get research-based information to help them select and care for poinsettias throughout the season.

A hands-on evergreen wreath making workshop will be held on both days. Registration is $95 per person and available through the Extension registration portal at https://msuext.ms/poh2025. Each workshop is limited to 10 people. Workshop attendees should bring wire cutters. All other materials will be provided.

Visitors will see classic poinsettia favorites and new introductions, including the Superba Poker series featuring color combinations such as red and pink, red and marble, pink and marble, and dark glitter.

Other improvements and additions to popular series this year include:

• An enhanced Lemon Glow cultivar, offering brighter, more uniform yellow bracts.
• Christmas Beauty Princess, now complemented by Christmas Beauty Queen and Christmas Beauty Prince, expanding options within this reliable, midseason line.
• Two new early-season compact options, Christmas Glory White and Christmas Glory Pink, ideal for growers seeking uniform, space-efficient crops with excellent retail appeal.
• Visitors will also enjoy traditional reds, pinks, and whites, along with striking orange, peach, yellow and maroon varieties, plus selections featuring variegated foliage and distinctive leaf shapes.

For more information on the open house, evergreen wreath workshop or disability accommodation, contact Jim DelPrince at j.delprince@msstate.edu. MSU is an equal opportunity institution.