800 Ecke Ranch Road, Encinitas, California  92023 USA 

November 2006

A knockout poinsettia - Ice Punch

Encinitas, California --   Ecke Ranch, the originator of the modern poinsettia, is pleased to announce the introduction of a very special poinsettia -- Ice Punch. This knockout new poinsettia has a breathtaking new color pattern and is sure to win your heart.

In winter 2006, Poinsettia Ice Punch will be launched exclusively through The Home Depot stores in the U.S. and will be available in select markets in Texas, California, Illinois and the Southeast ahead of a national launch in 2007.  Packaged in the beautiful gold and paisley pot cover, this new poinsettia will have an immediate impact on your holiday decorating plans.

Ice Punch is a truly unique color sport found in Europe and is distributed through the Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, Calif. Ecke Ranch is known worldwide as the birthplace of the modern poinsettia. Extensive trials at the University of Florida, Purdue University and North Carolina State have shown remarkable consumer reaction to this stunning plant.  Russ Gillum, project manager for the Ecke Ranch said, "We seldom have had consumers react to a new poinsettia as test shoppers have to Ice Punch." Gillum continued, "The combination of striking bract colors, leaf shape and strong upright bracts will make Ice Punch a must have plant for decorators."

Ice Punch is made special with a rich rosy red bract brushed with a soft frosty white center. The bract color is framed by dark green leaves. In addition to the wonderful color, Ecke Ranch expects Ice Punch to hold up well in homes. "We carefully test all new poinsettias for wear and tear in home conditions," reported Paul Ecke III, CEO of Ecke Ranch. Ecke continued, "Ice Punch has that rare combination of beauty and brawn -- a plant that should look great right through the entire holiday season."

"Color is critical in plant selection of poinsettias. We have seen the past few years more interest in 'non-red' poinsettias with new novelties and painted poinsettias hitting the market," said Andy Higgins, president of Ecke Ranch. Higgins continued, "Ice Punch will be a direct hit for home decorators as it bridges the 'red' and 'non-red' color range -- this is definitely not your mother's poinsettia!"

Ice Punch is available exclusively at The Home Depot.

Additional Poinsettia care information may be found at Consumer Help.

For more information please contact Laurie Scullin at  (352) 495-3375 or lscullin@thenewproductgroup.com