When Poinsettias Just Don’t Do It

Tired of looking at the same old poinsettia every year? A number of local florists offer flowers that are a bit off the beaten path.

Try the king protea--a South African monstrosity with a 10-inch-wide blossom that looks like something straight out of Dr. Seuss. Or maybe you’d prefer the kangaroo paw--a red-and-gold flower that has ‘little claws’ and that’s “kind of hairy,” says Carol, co-owner of Paul’s Unique Creations, a shop that specializes in foreign flowers.

‘Torchier’ and ‘eyelash’ varieties are just a few more examples of flowers that look as unusual as their names sound.