Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It grows 1.5–3.5 m (4.9–11 ft) tall and 1.2–3 m (3.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Poinsettia in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Poinsettia at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3.5 m (4.9–11 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.2–3 m (3.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | from about November for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Poinsettia toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: sap (latex), leaves, bracts
The latex can irritate skin and mouth and cause mild stomach upset; serious poisoning is a common myth.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Poinsettia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Poinsettia
- How far apart should I plant Poinsettia?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.2–3 m (3.9–10 ft).
- Does Poinsettia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Poinsettia need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Poinsettia?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Poinsettia flower?
- From about November for 6–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Poinsettia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The latex can irritate skin and mouth and cause mild stomach upset; serious poisoning is a common myth.
- What grows well with Poinsettia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Poinsettia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- An outdoor shrub only in frost-free climates (zone 10 and warmer); elsewhere a potted seasonal plant.
- Bract colour needs long uninterrupted nights (daylight under about 12 hours) for several weeks.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cassava Manihot esculenta
- Croton Codiaeum variegatum
- Crown of thorns Euphorbia milii
- Pará rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
- Mediterranean spurge Euphorbia characias
- Candlenut (kukui) Aleurites moluccanus
- Candelabra tree (naboom) Euphorbia ingens
- Griffith’s spurge Euphorbia griffithii