Euphorbia pulcherrima
Poinsettia,
the December Flower
Each
year more than 150 million Poinsettias
(Euphorbia
pulcherrima)
in every size, shape, and color are
sold in more than 40 countries around
the world. The plant, a member
of the Euphorbiaceae
family, is a native of Central America
and Mexico.
Plant
Facts:
Common
Name: Poinsettia
Botanical
Name: Euphorbia
pulcherrima
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Plant
Type: Evergreen
shrub
Origin:
Central America and Mexico
Zones:
9 - 11
Height:
12'
Rate
of Growth: Fast
Salt
Tolerance: None
Soil
Requirements: Most
any well drained soil
Water
Requirements: Moderately
drought tolerant, but look better
and hold leaves longer with an adequate
supply of water
Nutritional
Requirements: Balanced
liquid fertilizer monthly
Light
Requirements: Full sun
Form:
Upright to sprawling shrub
Leaves:
Simple, alternate, ovate
to fiddle-shaped, 7" long, entire
or lobed, prominent veins, milky sap.
Flowers:
Inconspicuous yellow and
green flowers known as cyathia
surrounded by colored bracts -- colors
run from bright to blood red, white,
vermillion, apricot, salmon, lemon-yellow,
pink, pink and white, marbled, spotted,
and variegated.
Fruits:
3-celled capsule
Pests
or diseases: Mites,
scale, thrips, caterpillars, root
rot
Uses:
Specimen plant
Bad
Habits: Must have a period
of dark rest before leaves will change
in winter. Despite the common belief
to the contrary, Poinsettias are
not poisonous.
Cost:
$$ -- Very reasonable
Propagation:
Cuttings
Sources: Poinsettias:
Myth & Legend - History &
Botanical Fact, Landscape
Plants For Subtropical Climates
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