Poinsettias & Pets: What You Really Need to Know This Holiday Season

At Gillespie Florists, we love poinsettias—those bold, festive blooms are a Christmas classic for a reason! But every year, we hear the same question: “Are poinsettias dangerous for my pets?”

Great news: poinsettias have earned a reputation they absolutely don’t deserve.

The Real Scoop: Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

Poinsettias are only mildly toxic to cats and dogs—and not nearly as dangerous as the myths claim. According to current veterinary sources, a pet would have to consume a very large amount of plant material to experience anything more than mild discomfort. (Think: gnawing through multiple plants—not a casual nibble.)

So why the concern?
Poinsettias contain a milky white sap that can cause:

• Mild stomach upset (vomiting, drooling, occasionally diarrhea)

• Skin irritation if the sap touches the skin (redness, itchiness)

That’s it. No organ damage, no long-term risk, and they are not toxic to humans at all.

If your pet does happen to snack on the plant, symptoms—if they appear—are usually minor and pass quickly. Still concerned? You can always call your vet for guidance, but poinsettias are far from the holiday hazard they’re rumored to be.

So go ahead—bring one home and enjoy that beautiful color all winter long!

Plants That Are a Concern for Pets

While poinsettias get too much blame, there are some holiday favorites you’ll want to be mindful of:

❗ Lilies

Extremely dangerous to cats. Even a tiny bite—or pollen exposure—can cause acute kidney failure. We never include true lilies in pet-friendly arrangements.

❗ Holly

Holly leaves and berries can cause significant stomach upset. The spiny leaves often cause lip-smacking, drooling, or pawing at the face.

❗ Mistletoe

American mistletoe is less toxic than European varieties, but ingestion can still lead to mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep an eye out for dried leaves or berries that may fall to the floor.

We’re Here to Help Keep Your Pets Safe

When placing an order, just let our sales team know if there are pets in the home. Our designers will happily tailor your bouquet with safe selections—and for those beautiful holly accents we all adore, we keep silk holly on hand just for pet-friendly designs!

Explore Our Holiday Plants

Ready to brighten your home or gift someone special?

Check out our gorgeous poinsettias and seasonal favorites below!

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year at Gillespie Florists. Our design room fills with the scent of evergreens, the sparkle of holiday ribbon, and buckets of beautiful seasonal blooms just waiting to be turned into something special. Christmas flowers have a warmth, charm, and festive spirit all their own — and today, we’re sharing the top stems our designers reach for when creating holiday magic.

Whether you love traditional Christmas colors or a more modern winter look, these are the flowers and greens that make our arrangements shine all season long.

🌹 Red & White Roses

Roses are timeless for a reason. Red roses bring rich holiday warmth, while white roses lend a soft, snowy elegance to winter designs. Paired with pine, cedar, berries, or gold accents, roses are the perfect blend of festive and refined.

🌲 Fresh Evergreens (Pine, Fir, Cedar)

Nothing says “Christmas is here!” quite like the fragrance of winter greens. These holiday staples add fullness, movement, and natural texture to nearly every seasonal design. They form the lush backdrop that makes Christmas bouquets feel cozy, classic, and welcoming.

🍒 Hypericum Berries & Seasonal Berries

Looking for instant holiday cheer? Berries do the trick. Red hypericum berries, ilex berries, and other seasonal varieties add bright pops of color and a festive, textured look. They pair beautifully with roses, mums, and holiday greens — making every arrangement feel merry and full of life.

🌼 Chrysanthemums (Mums)

Reliable, long-lasting, and available in gorgeous holiday hues, mums are a designer favorite. We use red, white, green, and sometimes bi-color varieties to add full, plush texture to arrangements. They complement everything from classic Christmas styles to more modern winter designs.

🌺 Carnations

Carnations shine during the holidays thanks to their ruffled petals, vibrant colors, and incredible durability. Red, white, and green varieties blend seamlessly into festive arrangements and stand up beautifully through days of decorating, gifting, and celebrating.

🌿 Holly & Variegated Greens

When we want that classic “Christmas card” feel, holly leaves and berries are our go-to. Paired with variegated greens like pittosporum or festive textures like seeded eucalyptus, they bring brightness and holiday charm to any design.

⭐ Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria adds delicate beauty and soft texture to Christmas arrangements. In white and red, it complements roses and mums perfectly, bringing depth and movement to bouquets and centerpieces alike.

🌺 Poinsettias (Customer-Favorite Plants!)

While we don’t often use poinsettias inside vase arrangements, we can’t talk about Christmas flowers without mentioning the holiday icon. Poinsettias remain one of our bestselling Christmas plants — available in classic red, pure white, pink, and marbled varieties. Perfect for gifting and holiday décor!

🎁 Bring Home the Holiday Magic

Whether you’re decorating your home, sending a seasonal surprise, or picking up a festive centerpiece, our designers love helping you find the perfect Christmas blooms. Stop by the shop or browse our holiday collection online — there’s a little bit of Christmas magic in every arrangement.

Tap here to shop our holiday selections today!

The holiday season is here, and Gillespie Florists is your one-stop destination for all things festive! Whether you're looking for unique gifts, seasonal decor, or special ways to honor your loved ones, our shop is brimming with treasures to make your holidays unforgettable.

🎁 Explore Our Holiday Merchandise
Our shelves are stocked with stunning holiday giftware, from charming ornaments to elegant candleholders. Add warmth to your home with our selection of holiday decor or find the perfect keepsake for someone special.

🎄 Save Big at Our 50% Off Holiday Tree
Don’t miss our special 50% off holiday tree, where you can find incredible deals on select Christmas items. Whether you're looking for something to complete your holiday look or gifts that wow, there’s something for everyone.

🌹 Holiday Cemetery Saddles
Honor your loved ones this season with beautifully crafted holiday cemetery saddles. These thoughtful arrangements are designed to bring comfort and beauty to cherished memories during this special time of year.

🌼 New silk arrangemtns
Want an arrangement that lasts forever? Come check out our holiday silk arrangements. New designs Our 2025 calendars are in, stop by the store and pick one up. No purchase necessary!

📅 Free 2025 Calendar
Our 2025 calendars are in, stop by the store and pick one up. No purchase necessary!

✨ More to Browse
As always, our store is filled with even more festive finds, from fresh holiday arrangements to whimsical decorations. There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by exploring the magic in person!

🌸 Holiday DIY Design Classes
Don't forget, this year we still have two holiday design classes in the month of December. The classes are led by one of our professional designers and you are led through creating a stunning holiday arrangement you can create and take home! Cost is $75, all materials and instruction are included. Classes are offered December 8 and December 22 from 2-4pm. 

Register for the December 8th class here

Register for the Decmeber 22nd class here

Visit Us Today!
Stop by Gillespie Florists to shop, browse, and experience the joy of the holidays. Our friendly team is here to help you find exactly what you need to make your season merry and bright.

📍 Location: Gillespie Florists, 9255 W 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46234
🕒 Hours: Monday - Saturday 8-6pm, Sunday 11-3 

Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime. We can't wait to see you soon!

SHOP FLOWERS NOW

Join us in December for the return of our popular "Happy Holidays" DIY Floral Design Class! If you love flowers,  and hands-on fun, this workshop is for you. During this class, our professional floral designer will guide you step-by-step as you create a stunning holiday arrangement. Two classes will be offered in December, a perfect chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping and have a fun afternoon out with flowers!

Sunday, December 8 & Sunday, December 22, from 2-4pm 
at Gillespie Florists, 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis 46234

$75 per person. 
Must be 18 years or older due to sharp instruments being used.

New to working with real flowers? No problem! Our designers have decades of experience and will share their pro tips, making it easy to design with confidence. You’ll get to choose a holiday container and work with fresh flowers, all while learning techniques to create a piece you’ll be proud to bring home. Check out these photos below. Over the years, we've had a great time designing Thanksgiving and Christmas arrangements with friends. We hope you join us!

Register today!

Deck the Halls with Deals! The Sale Before CHRISTMAS is Here!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to spread cheer than with amazing savings? Get ready to jingle all the way to our store because The Sale Before CHRISTMAS is upon us! From December 18th to 24th, it's your chance to score incredible deals on all your holiday wish list items and more.

Unwrap 25% off every corner of Christmas:

• Deck the halls: Trim your tree and adorn your home with festive flair. All Christmas décor is 25% off, from sparkling ornaments to twinkling light up figurines.

• Gifts that give joy: Shower your loved ones with delightful surprises. Any giftware, from cozy throws and charming trinkets to chic vases, is 25% off.

• Cuddle up and cozy down: Make someone's winter extra warm and cuddly with our 25% off plush sale. Snuggle-worthy stuffed animals and throw blankets await!

• Silk surprises: Stock up on artificial flowers that make life brighter, like silk Christmas centerpieces and outdoor wreaths, all at 25% off. Plus, treat yourself to cemetery saddles and cemetery cans to remember your loved ones.

• Light the way, scent the air: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with 25% off candles and other delightful home fragrance items.

But wait, there's more!

• Don't forget the last-minute gifts: Everyday gift items are also 25% off, perfect for those unexpected stockings to fill or impromptu gift exchanges.

• Holiday Cheer at Every Corner: This sale doesn't include fresh flowers and plants, but we have tons of festive décor and gift items to keep your holiday spirits high! Get ready to deck the halls and fill stockings with joy.

• As is, with love: Serviced products (those requiring alterations or changes) are also excluded from the sale, but everything else is up for grabs!

• Shop in-store for non-delivery delights: Unfortunately, sale items cannot be delivered, so come on down and soak up the holiday cheer while you shop!

Restrictions may apply, so visit our store for complete details and let our friendly staff answer any questions you might have. Don't miss your chance to deck the halls, stock up on gifts, and treat yourself to some holiday goodies at The Sale Before CHRISTMAS! We can't wait to see you there!

Call us at 317.273.1100 for more information and let the merry shopping begin!

Don't have time to come in and shop? No Worries! We got you covered! Shop online for delivery in the Indianapolis area and surrounding communities! We'll be accepting orders until Noon on December 24th for same day delivery!