Selecting and Transporting Holiday Gift Plants

The holidays are upon us and so are the many gatherings with family and friends. Mums, poinsettias and other flowering plants make the perfect hostess gifts. Make sure they arrive at their destination looking good.

Select flowering plants free from insects and signs of disease as well as crispy leaves that can indicate neglect. Look for plants with deep green leaves with the majority of the flowers in bud or just ready to burst open. This allows the recipient to enjoy your gift for days and weeks to come as the flowers open before their eyes.

Always wrap plants in paper or plastic when moving them from one location to the next. And never leave plants sitting in a cold car while running errands or shopping. The plant may arrive looking good, but the leaves will soon turn gray or black and the plant will die.

Protecting your gift as it travels from the florist or garden center to the gathering will provide a gift to be enjoyed throughout the holidays.

A bit more information: Ask the salesclerk at the florist or garden center for a plant tag to accompany your gift plant. This tag should include the plant’s name and care instructions. Providing this information eliminates potential stress and guesswork for the recipient and increases their enjoyment.