Cantigny prepares for poinsettia display, sale

At the Shades of Crimson Poinsettia Display, visitors to Cantigny Park's greenhouse can see about 3,000 plants in 15 varieties in full bloom.

The Cantigny horticulture departments' annual poinsettia display is 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Parking, which is $5, is in the main lot outside the Cantigny Visitors Center. From there, visitors can walk to the greenhouse or ride a festive trolley.

Admission to Shades of Crimson is free.

At the greenhouse, tours are self-guided and photography is welcome. Horticulture staff members will be on hand to discuss the plants and answer questions.

Poinsettias will be priced at $4 for a mini, $6 for a small, $16 for a medium and $36 for a large.

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

Nearly half the Cantigny poinsettias go to the Wheaton A.M. Rotary Club, which uses them to raise money for its community projects. Another 300 plants are used for holiday decorating in the museums, restaurants and other buildings throughout the 500-acre Cantigny estate.

After Shades of Crimson, sales to the public will continue at the Cantigny Shop in the Visitors Center and the Cantigny Golf Shop at regular prices. Unsold plants are donated to local nursing homes and care centers.

Also on Nov. 17:

• Visitors are invited to Cantigny's McCormick House for the 2017 debut of Community Trees, an exhibit continuing through Dec. 30 featuring Christmas trees decorated by local nonprofit organizations. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree. The free trolley will make stops at McCormick House.

• The Cantigny Shop will be open until 7 p.m. for holiday shopping.

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