Bernieh's Garden
Euphorbia pulcherrima - Poinsettia
Genus: Euphorbia.
Species: Euphorbia pulcherrima.
Common name: Poinsettia
Botanic name: Euphorbia Pulcherrima
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are native to southern Mexico. They have erect, succulent stems and large, scarlet floral leaves or bracts, which look like flamboyant flowers. In the centre of the bracts are the true flowers, an insignificant yellowish cluster. The vibrantly coloured bracts are produced in winter, when many gardens are looking cheerless and bare. Poinsettias grow well in the warmer zones of Australia.
Poinsettias grow best in full sun through to about half shade. They like rich, well-drained soil and need protection from strong winds. They can be pruned after flowering in spring to encourage a more compact shrub.
