Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is the world’s most iconic festive plant, loved for its bold red bracts that brighten homes and gardens during the holiday season. With lush green foliage beneath its fiery display, it brings instant cheer and elegance to indoor spaces. In Cape Town’s Western Cape climate, Poinsettias thrive as seasonal indoor highlights and can also be grown outdoors in frost-free spots, where they develop into striking shrubs.
Flowering from late November through January, Poinsettias are perfectly timed to colour the festive season. Their long-lasting bracts hold well indoors, making them a favourite for Christmas décor, table arrangements, and gifting.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Brilliant red bracts that define the festive season
- Flowers naturally in Cape Town from late November to January
- Perfect for indoor décor, table displays, and gifting
- Can grow into a shrub outdoors in frost-free gardens
- Easy-care once established, with long-lasting colour
- Brings instant cheer and warmth to homes during summer holidays
Planting & Care:
Place your Poinsettia in bright, indirect light indoors, or in a sheltered, sunny outdoor position if planting in the garden. Water moderately, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy, and allow excess water to drain freely. Avoid cold drafts, as Poinsettias prefer warm, stable conditions. Feed lightly during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser to encourage healthy foliage and bract colour. After flowering, prune back lightly to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth for the next season.
The “flowers” of the Poinsettia are actually colourful bracts, not petals. The true flowers are the tiny yellow buds in the center, so when you see bracts turning red, it’s the plant’s clever way of attracting pollinators!
| Botanical Name |
Euphorbia Pulcherrima
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Growth Expectancy
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90-300cm H x 90-210cm W
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Position
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Sun - Semi-shade
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| Water Smart |
No |
| Indigenous |
No |