See Cantigny's poinsettias during greenhouse tour

With the last of the fall color giving way to winter grays, Cantigny Park is offering a mood-lifting tour of its greenhouse full of vibrant reds.

The annual Shades of Crimson Poinsettia Display, hosted by the Cantigny Park horticulture department, runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the park's greenhouse, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

Visitors will see 14 varieties of poinsettias in full bloom and about 3,000 plants in all. Horticulture staff members will be on hand to discuss the plants and answer questions.

Cantigny's poinsettias are purchased as 3-inch-long cuttings, then carefully nurtured and groomed for more than six months. Water, fertilizer, light and temperature each are regulated to achieve the results visitors will see at the greenhouse.

Nearly half of the Cantigny poinsettias go to the Rotary Club of Wheaton A.M., which sells them to raise money for its community projects. Another 400 plants are used for holiday decorating in the museums, restaurants and other buildings throughout the 500-acre Cantigny estate.

Poinsettias will be specially priced for sale at Shades of Crimson. Prices, including tax, are $5 for a small plant and $15 for medium. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

After the event, sales to the public will continue at the Cantigny Shop in the Visitors Center and the Cantigny Golf Shop at regular prices. Any unsold plants are donated to local nursing homes and care centers.

Visitors who buy plants can learn more about them, including how to care for them, on the "All About Poinsettias" page posted at cantigny.org.

Shades of Crimson will include self-guided tours of the greenhouse. Admission is free, but advance registration is requested for groups of 10 or more. Visitors may call (630) 260-8162.

Free parking is in the main lot by the Cantigny Visitors Center. From there, visitors may walk to the greenhouse or ride the free shuttle.

While at Cantigny, visitors can also view the Community Trees at the Robert R. McCormick Museum. Opening Wednesday, Nov. 25, the exhibit features Christmas trees decorated by seven local nonprofit organizations. Admission is free.

Cantigny Park is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset in November and December. For information, including holiday hours, directions and a calendar of upcoming events, visit cantigny.org.