Common name:
Poinsettia
Botanical name:
Euphorbia pulcherrima
The Poinsettia is a perennial shrub native to Mexico. They are hardy in USDA zones 9 and above, and can reach a mature size of 3-10 ft. tall, 3-7 ft. wide. In USDA zones 8 and lower, they are typically used as decorative pieces around the Christmas season.
Commonly referred to as ‘flowers’ on the poinsettia, these are actually petal-like leaves known as “bracts”. The bracts form right below the small flowers of the poinsettia.
- Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light. Poinsettias are best kept in temperatures between 65°F to 75°F
- Water Requirements: Poinsettias like to keep their soil moist. Water your poinsettia when the surface feels dry to the touch. Be sure to let your poinsettia fully drain before placing it back into a tray or decorative foil to prevent root rot.
- Characteristics: Poinsettia is easily recognized for its full green leaves and colorful bracts, traditionally red.
- Uses: Poinsettias are most commonly used as holiday decoration. When cared for properly, they can continue to provide greenery as an indoor plant throughout the year.
- Interesting Facts: Christmas poinsettias’ botanical name Euphorbia pulcherrima means “the most beautiful Euphorbia”.
- Varieties: While the most recognizable variety is the Christmas Eve, with its red bracts, poinsettias can also come in the following varieties due to hybridization:
- Alaska White: Pure white bracts.
- Jingle Bell Rock: This variety is a mixture of cream and bright red with glossy dark
green leaves. - Gold Rush: These bracts are in shades of pink and gold.
The colorful part of the poinsettia isn’t a flower – it’s a modified leaf
Grown in over 100 solid, marble, and bi-color varieties in shades of white, cream, pink, purple, red, yellow
The ancient Aztecs used poinsettias to make red dye
In their native tropical environment, poinsettias can grow up to 15 tall
