As you read this, it will almost be National Poinsettia Day, which is Dec. 12. The day honors Joel Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico. He is credited with introducing this beloved Christmas plant to the United States.

The Garden Guy is writing about it now in hopes that you will help end the holiday affliction known as Poinsettias Without Partners. OK, I am smiling too!

Proven Winners initiated a program 18 years ago to put an end to the Poinsettia Lonely Hearts Club by showing all of us an incredible combination. The event was known as the California Pack Trials. There, we were all introduced to the concept of a Poinsettia Pal. This combo featured Poinsettias and Diamond Frost euphorbia.

Oh my gosh, what could be more beautiful than a red poinsettia giving the appearance of sitting on a layer of frost? Not only did I love it but as a horticulturist, I found extra meaning in the fact that the poinsettia and the euphorbia were related, same family! It was botanically symbolic of families getting together at Christmas.

I know I am stretching it a little, but I am a plant geek. I have seen them at the garden center from time to time and even more so at fine florist shops, but the idea really is a good one and needs a shot in the arm.

Last year I fell in love with a new color called ColorBlaze Mini Me Chartreuse. Though its nature is shorter and compact, it forms branch upon branch of lime-green foliage that is the perfect texture to pair with a poinsettia.

Even just hours after having stuck cuttings around the poinsettia, it was already photo-worthy. The room where the poinsettias reside has tall windows and so far, it has been a delight for getting anthuriums and Christmas cactus to rebloom. So, it is probably perfect for coleus and poinsettias.

The dark gold color of a poinsettia variety named Gold Rush is the latest to steal my heart. I just want to try a combo or two with it, but alas, they are rare. I am sure the retailers think no one wants a gold poinsettia, but I do!

There are some other great opportunities for combinations with the Hippo Polka Dot plants. The Polka Dot plants are known botanically as Hypoestes phyllostachya, which is where the cute Hippo variety-name originates. They come in red, rose and white. The white with the green variegation is showy and of high contrast, perfect with red poinsettias.

Jenny Simpson with Creekside Nursery in Dallas, North Carolina, created a partnership with Heart to Heart Snowdrift caladiums and red poinsettias, which has great promise though it takes a little more planning.

Since the poinsettias will already be growing in the best potting soil, you don’t have to fret; just add a good mix to your new planter and take care of the poinsettia. Everyone else will be happy. Choose a container that allows you to add partner plants. Last year I started off with a smaller poinsettia and planted it and the coleus cuttings in a bowl.

This year I am planting Lemon Coral sedum, letting it tumble over the rim of the container. It’s not ready for prime time because of early column deadlines but please follow me on my Facebook page @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy for more photos, garden inspiration and my push to end Poinsettias Without Partners.

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(Norman Winter, horticulturist, garden speaker and author of “Tough-as-Nails Flowers for the South” and “Captivating Combinations: Color and Style in the Garden.” Follow him on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy.)

(NOTE TO EDITORS: Norman Winter receives complimentary plants to review from the companies he covers.)

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