ROBINSON'S has said there will be no shortage of British grown poinsettias in the Island this year despite fears in some parts of the UK that there will be a short supply.

Michael Horsthuis, head of procurement and distribution in the flowers division at Robinson’s, said: "All the poinsettias we supply to outlets in the Island are grown by Arden Lea Nurseries in Preston and there will be no shortage of UK grown plants here."

Poinsettias, which are native to Mexico, are Britain's most popular pot plants after the orchid. Five million are bought each year and they have become as much a part of Christmas as fairy lights, holly, and mistletoe.

British-poinsettias tend to be nurtured over six months and are regarded by many connoisseurs as hardier and of better quality than those from Holland that flood supermarkets and garden centres. This has resulted in some British growers being squeezed out of the market by cheaper imports. 

Michael continued: "In Holland they are often grown quickly with artificial light which means they are more spindly and more susceptible to dying."

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