Poinsettia

(Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Euphorbia pulcherrima, commonly known as Poinsettia, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous shrub native to deciduous tropical forests in Mexico and Central America. It typically reaches a height of 0.6–4 meters (2–13 ft) and is known for its striking colored bracts, which are most commonly a vibrant red, with cultivars available in orange, pale green, cream, pink, white, or marbled. These bracts are often mistaken for flower petals due to their bright colors and are a result of photoperiodism, requiring extended periods of darkness to develop their vivid hues. The actual flowers are small and inconspicuous, located at the center of the bract clusters.

The Poinsettia is celebrated for its festive color and is a popular ornamental plant around the Christmas season. It is used in holiday displays and as a decorative houseplant. While it thrives in part shade with medium water and well-drained soils, it also requires high light conditions during the day to achieve the most intense bract coloration. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold and should be protected from frost. They can be susceptible to pests such as whiteflies and diseases like root rot if overwatered. When grown outside its native range, Euphorbia pulcherrima can become invasive, so it is essential to consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-10 feet
  • Width: 3-7 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Cream, Orange, Pink, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Deciduous tropical forests in Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Christmas-Flower, Christmas-Star, Mexican Flameleaf, Paintedleaf, Lobsterplant, Pascuero, Flor De Pascua, Nochebuena, Folha-De-Sangue, Poinsétia

Scientific Names: , Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia pulcherrima, Euphorbia fastuosa, Euphorbia diversifolia, Euphorbia poinsettii, Euphorbia lutea, Euphorbia pulcherrima f. lutea, Poinsettia pulcherrima var. albida, Euphorbia coccinea

GBIF Accepted Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch