M&S poinsettia is 'better than supermarket ones and makes a lovely gift'

By Aimee Robinson, Senior Affiliates and Shopping Editor

Marks and Spencer poinsettia plant

Shoppers have praised the quality of the Marks and Spencer poinsettia plant (Image: M&S)

Poinsettias are undoubtedly the houseplant of the season at Christmas, and if you’re on the hunt for a special gift for a plant lover this festive season (or you’re simply thinking of treating yourself), Marks and Spencer has a poinsettia that shoppers are saying is “better than supermarket ones.”

The tradition of the poinsettia actually stems from a Mexican legend, where the vibrant red plant is said to symbolise love and sacrifice. Its star-shaped leaves are believed to represent the Star of Bethlehem. These days, they’re synonymous with Christmas and make a gorgeous table decoration.

Marks and Spencer has a few different poinsettias in its gifting collection, which also includes everything from letterbox treats to hampers packed with festive food and drinks. Just like the rest of the range, the plants can be ordered online, you can add a special message for free, and delivery is included in the price. It’s a great option if you want to send something to a friend or family member who lives far away or someone you might not get a chance to see in person.

There are a few festive plant options to choose from, but their traditional poinsettia is one of the bestsellers. It comes presented in a rustic woven basket and is a reasonably large plant (around 65cm), so it’ll really make a statement. At £40, it’s a bit pricier than what you’d find in the supermarket, but shoppers have praised the quality, giving it a glowing 4.8-star customer satisfaction score.

One shopper wrote: “The plant is far better than supermarket ones. You get what you have paid for.”

Another added: “I have been buying your poinsettias for many years. They never disappoint, they are beautiful.”

Christmas flowering plants in basket

This selection of flowering plants is nice if you want a centrepiece thats a little different (Image: M&S)

If you’re after something a little more interesting, M&S says the best-selling Christmas plant on the website right now is its selection of flowering seasonal plants, all arranged in a woven basket.

This gift is slightly pricier at £45, but you do get a lovely mix, so it's perfect if you want something a bit different from the classic poinsettia. Of course, the cheerful festive plant is still included in the mix, along with a rose, a peace lily, and a trailing ivy plant (Hedera, to be specific). It would make a stunning centrepiece for the Christmas table and a thoughtful gift for any flower lover. As always, delivery is free, and you can add a message.

Three potted poinsettias from M&S

These petite potted plants are a nice way to brighten up a window sill (Image: M&S)

For something a little smaller (and very cute), there’s also a set of three potted poinsettias, each around 26cm tall. They come in white pots decorated with a seasonal scene of festive houses – ideal for dotting around different rooms. Their petite size makes them perfect for windowsills or brightening up a little shelf.

One shopper said: “These are a fabulous Christmas buy for home or presents.”

Another added: “Lovely gift. These were sent to my daughter-in-law, and she is thrilled with them.”

However, one shopper had a less positive experience, writing: “These arrived very dry and as the soil was loosely packed, quite a bit of it was in the box rather than the pot."

More festive plants and flowers

Buy The Mina bouquet from Bloom & Wild
£37 View Deal

If you want to send a Christmassy bouquet to someone special, Bloom & Wild has a range of festive flowers that can be ordered online and delivered straight to the door. 

The Mina is a hand-tied bouquet made up of 18 stems, including red lilies, pine, pussy willow and hypericum berries. While it arrives in bud, the brand says the flowers will then bloom within 48 hours. 

Buy the Red Trio of Christmas Plants from Next
£32 View Deal

For something a little more fun and whimsical, Next offers this trio of festive flowers presented in a sweet, light-up box shaped like a Nordic-style wooden house decorated with Christmas trees.

The plants include two red double Kalanchoe and one miniature top point shrub. Shoppers can also enjoy free delivery from Next.