poinsettia
Euphorbia pulcherrima
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size3 to 12 feet tall3 to 8 feet wide
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow, red
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Notes
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a shrub for containers, hedges, and privacy screens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, loamy soil. It forms a dense shape and tolerates drought. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Sedge, Arabian jasmine, and Night-blooming jasmine.
Native range
Western Mexico.