The first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, originally brought the Christmas plant from southern Mexico to America in 1825. Since then, these plants have gained great popularity and now average poinsettia sales are about $220 million during the six-week holiday season each year. Although there are over 100 varieties of poinsettias available, most are familiar with the traditional bright red and green plant. However, white, pink and marbled varieties are also widely available. If you are considering purchasing a poinsettia this holiday season, check out this list of top Tampa Bay florists.

Florida Gardens Florist
4303 N. Armenia Ave.
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 876-5483
www.floridagardensflorist.com

Serving the Tampa Bay area since 1973, Florida Gardens Florist is a family owned and operated business. Following the tradition his father started, Alex Gonzalez runs a friendly and prompt business offering traditional flower arrangements and plants for all occasions. In addition, Florida Gardens is a Teleflora member and specializes in tropical plants, dish gardens, silk arrangements and fruit baskets. Delivery requests made by 2 p.m. are delivered the same day with a local delivery fee of $8.95.

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Flowers Unlimited, Inc.
6850 22nd Ave. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 384-5900
www.flowersunlimitedinc.net

Founded in 1926, Flowers Unlimited, Inc. is a family owned and operated florist serving the St. Petersburg area. Passed down from one generation to the next, Bill Burroughs offers the same dedication and service his predecessors did in providing floral arrangements for all occasions. Flowers Unlimited, Inc. also offers European dish gardens, gourmet and fruit baskets, gift baskets, silk arrangements and tropicals. Orders received by 2 p.m. are assured same-day delivery with a $10 delivery fee.

New Tampa Florist
15310 Amberly Drive
Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 982-1010
www.newtampaflorist.com

Family owned and operated, New Tampa Florist has been serving the Tampa Bay area for more than 20 years. Fresh greens are cut daily from its private nursery to use in every bouquet, making each one truly unique. Select from a large array of blooming plants, green plants, tropical plants and florals, fruit and gourmet baskets and holiday arrangements. Same-day delivery is available on orders placed by noon with a $10 delivery fee.

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Open Air Florist
607 N. Myrtle Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33755
(727) 443-1963
www.openairflorist.net

With over 100 years of experience between them, the designers at Open Air Florist offer professional and unique floral arrangements and gifts.  Family owned and operated since 1974, Ruth Goodwin and her team at Open Air Florist serve Clearwater and surrounding areas. You will be sure to find the perfect poinsettia, floral arrangement or evergreen centerpiece (one of the shop’s specialties) to brighten your home or office this holiday. Open Air is a member of the Teleflora network and offers daily specials starting at $45. Orders received by 2 p.m. will be delivered on the same day with a $9.95 delivery charge.

Sweats Florist
1425 S. Fort Harrison Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 461-9055
www.sweatsflorist.com

Serving the Clearwater area since 1925, Sweats Florist specializes in corporate and wedding events of all sizes. Choose from a large array of fresh flowers, plants, tropical arrangements, dish gardens, gift baskets, plush teddy bears, tea pots, coffee mugs, balloons and more. Let the professional designers at Sweats decorate your home or office for the holidays with Christmas trees, centerpieces, garlands and wreaths. Same-day delivery is available with $10.99 delivery fee.

Unique Floral Creations
1311 S. US Highway 301
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 621-4808
www.uniqueflristtampa.com

The owners of Unique Floral Creations, Sherry and Al James, offer a variety of floral arrangements and potted plants for all occasions. In addition, you will find balloons, baskets, gift items, gourmet baskets and cake decorations sure to please even the most finicky of tastes. Serving all of Hillsborough County, receive same-day delivery until 2 p.m. and free delivery on orders $59.99 and higher.

Kelly Machbitz was the on-air beauty expert for CBS 10 News and also appeared on 48 Hours. Author of “All About Face, A Guide to Makeup” and “Wear This, Not That!” (Amazon.com), Kelly owns a cosmetic studio and consulting practice in Tampa Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.