Family-owned nursery in Wexford celebrates 30 years of going potty for poinsettia
Michelle Allen (left), produce buyer at Marks & Spencer with Jim O'Connor. Wexford’s O’Connor Nurseries is celebrating its 15th Christmas supplying Marks & Spencer stores in Ireland.
Eye-catching red poinsettia flowers are a symbol of Christmas for many.
This Christmas, Wexford’s O’Connor Nurseries is celebrating its 15th Christmas supplying Marks & Spencer stores in Ireland. Since 2010, the family-owned nursery has been providing M&S customers with fresh, great quality poinsettias.
This year, they will also be available in white varieties, ranging from small, medium and large, with a brand new exclusive poinsettia tin.
O’Connor Nurseries’ story began in 1969 as a tomato nursery run by Jim’s father. However, in 1994, the business pivoted to focus solely on flowers.
The family's expertise in poinsettias spans 30 years — originating, as Jim recalls from a challenge: “Someone told us we wouldn’t be able to grow poinsettias, so we thought we’d prove them wrong.”
Today, O’Connor Nurseries is a leading wholesale plant supplier and one of only three poinsettia growers in Ireland.
Growing M&S’s festive poinsettias takes tender care and decades of expertise. Jim O’Connor, a father of four and the second generation to lead the business, has over 30 years of growing experience, cultivating the blooms in Wexford, Ireland’s 'Sunny South East', known for its ideal light levels.
Combining this natural advantage with Jim’s skill and product knowledge allows M&S to offer customers truly vibrant, long-lasting Irish poinsettias each year.
Reflecting on the partnership, Jim said: “We’re immensely proud of our 15-year partnership with M&S. Their commitment to sourcing the best local produce aligns perfectly with our values.
This relationship allows us to deliver the fresh, great quality poinsettias that will last throughout the Christmas period and beyond. Picking up a poinsettia is a simple way to brighten the home and bring in that wonderful festive feeling.”
Jim also highlighted the importance of local production in protecting supply quality: “Poinsettias are notoriously delicate and do not travel well. Historically, many were imported from the Netherlands, but long journeys often led to leaf damage and shortened lifespan.
To achieve that quality, the growing process is meticulous. The plants are nurtured indoors, planted in June, and require precise and gradually reduced temperatures before distribution. Integrated pest management and expert oversight are key to maintaining standards.
Jim added: “I’m immensely proud that we produce here in Ireland, and especially proud of our team — including our grower, Mark Miskella, who is one of the best in the country.
"Our ambition is to continue being a reliable alternative to imports. Why import when you can get higher-quality poinsettias grown right here at home?”
For customers picking up their Irish-grown poinsettia this Christmas, Jim has one key piece of advice for longevity: “To keep your poinsettia alive and healthy, very importantly — don’t overwater it! That’s the quickest way to lose a poinsettia.”
Michelle Allen, produce buyer at Marks & Spencer added: “Having grown up in Wexford, it’s truly special to celebrate 15 years working alongside O’Connor Nurseries here in Ireland.
"Their passion for growing the best Irish poinsettias means our customers receive vibrant, long-lasting festive blooms. This partnership reflects our commitment to local suppliers and bringing the very best of Ireland to our stores.”
