Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), native to Mexico and Central America, are iconic holiday plants renowned for their vibrant bracts—modified leaves often mistaken for petals—and small yellow cyathia flowers. Part of the Euphorbiaceae family, these tropical shrubs can grow up to 10-15 feet in their natural habitat but are typically 1-3 feet as potted plants.
Their bracts come in red, pink, white, cream, orange, and multicolored patterns, triggered by 12-14 hours of darkness for 8-10 weeks, making them short-day plants perfect for winter displays. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, poinsettias thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and are used as indoor decor, outdoor shrubs in warm climates, or cut flowers.
Poinsettia Plant Cultivars
Poinsettia ‘Grande Italia’
‘Grande Italia’ boasts oversized, star-shaped, classic Christmas red bracts, creating a bold, traditional holiday look with lush, dark green foliage. Growing 18-24 inches tall with an upright, bushy habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F, with well-drained, slightly acidic soil kept moist but not soggy. Its large, durable bracts last up to 6 weeks, but it’s sensitive to drafts and overwatering, which can cause leaf drop. Ideal for large-scale indoor displays, it requires stable conditions to maintain vibrancy.
Poinsettia ‘Pink Champagne’
‘Pink Champagne’ features elegant coral-pink bracts with deeper rose shading, offering a soft, sophisticated alternative to red poinsettias. This compact cultivar, 12-18 inches tall, has a bushy form with dark green leaves, thriving in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F. It prefers well-drained soil and high humidity from misting to prolong bract life. Its slow-opening cyathia ensure extended blooms, but it’s prone to root rot if overwatered, making it perfect for tabletop holiday decor.
Poinsettia ‘Orange Glow’
‘Orange Glow’ radiates warmth with vivid orange, star-shaped bracts, evoking a cozy winter fire against dark green foliage. Growing 18-24 inches with a vigorous, upright habit, it thrives in bright, diffused light and 65-75°F, requiring well-drained soil. Pinching in summer promotes bushiness, and stable conditions minimize leaf drop. Its bold color, lasting 4-6 weeks, suits modern holiday settings, though it needs protection from cold drafts.
Poinsettia ‘Winter Rose Early Red’
‘Winter Rose Early Red’ showcases unique, curled, dark red bracts resembling roses, blooming early (October-November) for pre-holiday displays. This compact, 12-16-inch cultivar has a mounding habit and thrives in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F with moist, well-drained soil. Its smaller, textured bracts add romance, but it’s sensitive to overwatering. Ideal for early festive arrangements, it requires consistent care to maintain its distinctive look.
Poinsettia ‘Jingle Bells’
‘Jingle Bells’ delights with red bracts speckled with pink or white, mimicking snowflakes for a festive, playful vibe. Growing 12-18 inches with a bushy, upright form, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F, with well-drained soil. Its self-cleaning bracts last 4-6 weeks, and it’s moderately pest-resistant. Perfect for holiday centerpieces, it needs stable temperatures to prevent leaf drop but adds whimsy to any decor.
Poinsettia ‘Prestige Red’
‘Prestige Red’ is a top-selling classic with vibrant, solid red, star-shaped bracts, embodying traditional holiday spirit. Reaching 18-24 inches with a strong, upright habit and large, dark green leaves, it thrives in bright, diffused light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Less draft-sensitive, its durable bracts last up to 6 weeks. Ideal for corporate or home displays, it requires minimal maintenance for a bold, iconic look.
Poinsettia ‘Ice Punch’
‘Ice Punch’ features red bracts fading to white at maturity, creating a frosty, two-tone effect for elegant holiday decor. This 12-18-inch cultivar has a compact, bushy habit, thriving in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. High humidity extends its 4-6-week bract life, but overwatering risks root rot. Suited for sophisticated arrangements, it adds dynamic color shifts to festive settings.
Poinsettia ‘Christmas Mouse’
‘Christmas Mouse’ is a charming dwarf variety with small, rounded red bracts resembling mouse ears, perfect for compact displays. Growing 8-12 inches with a dense, mounding habit and small, dark green leaves, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Less prone to legginess, its bracts last 4-5 weeks. Ideal for desk decor or small spaces, it’s low-maintenance and whimsical.
Poinsettia ‘Enduring Marble’
‘Enduring Marble’ displays creamy white bracts with pinkish-red veins, offering a soft, marbled effect for subtle holiday elegance. Growing 12-18 inches with a bushy, upright form and dark green foliage, it thrives in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with moist, well-drained soil. Its bracts last into late winter, but it’s sensitive to overwatering. Perfect for refined holiday displays, it adds understated beauty.
Poinsettia ‘Tapestry’
Description and Characteristics: ‘Tapestry’ features red bracts with golden-yellow variegation, resembling ornate fabric for a luxurious holiday look. Reaching 18-24 inches with a vigorous, upright habit and variegated green-yellow leaves, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Pinching enhances bushiness, and its bracts last 4-6 weeks. Ideal for premium displays, it’s moderately pest-resistant but needs stable conditions.
Poinsettia ‘Plum Pudding’
‘Plum Pudding’ stands out with rare, deep purple bracts, offering a bold, modern holiday aesthetic. Growing 12-18 inches with a compact, bushy habit and dark green leaves, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its unique color, lasting 4-5 weeks, requires consistent care to maintain vibrancy. Perfect for unique arrangements, it’s a collector’s favorite for striking decor.
Poinsettia ‘Advent Red’
‘Advent Red’ is an early-blooming poinsettia with bright red, star-shaped bracts, ideal for October holiday or fall displays. Growing 18-24 inches with a strong, upright form and dark green foliage, it thrives in full sun to part shade and 65-75°F with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. More cold-tolerant (down to 50°F), its bracts last 5-6 weeks. Suited for early-season decor, it’s robust and reliable.
Poinsettia ‘Ruby Frost’
‘Ruby Frost’ captivates with red bracts marbled with white streaks, resembling a frosty ruby glow, adding a festive sparkle to holiday decor. Growing 12-18 inches with a compact, bushy habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-6 weeks, but it’s sensitive to overwatering.
Hardy in zones 9-11; houseplant in colder zones. Ideal for indoor holiday centerpieces or gifts; in zones 9-11, it’s a striking garden shrub or patio container plant, requiring darkness for reblooming.
Poinsettia ‘White Glitter’
‘White Glitter’ features creamy white bracts speckled with red flecks, evoking a snowy, glittery holiday scene. This 12-18-inch cultivar has a bushy form, thriving in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with moist, well-drained soil. Its bracts persist 4-5 weeks, needing high humidity to avoid leaf drop.
Hardy in zones 9-11; indoor plant elsewhere. Perfect for elegant indoor holiday displays or as a gift; in warm climates, it serves as a low hedge or container accent, adding festive charm.
Poinsettia ‘Autumn Leaves’
‘Autumn Leaves’ boasts warm peach-to-orange bracts, mimicking fall foliage for a cozy, non-traditional holiday vibe. Growing 18-24 inches with an upright habit, it prefers bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 5-6 weeks, but it’s prone to pests like whiteflies.
Hardy in zones 9-11; houseplant in cooler zones. Suited for indoor fall-to-winter decor or gifts; in zones 9-11, it’s a vibrant landscape shrub or patio plant, requiring darkness control.
Poinsettia ‘Monet’
‘Monet’ displays soft pink bracts with cream and peach speckles, resembling an impressionist painting for delicate holiday elegance. This 12-18-inch cultivar has a compact habit, thriving in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, needing stable temperatures.
Hardy in zones 9-11; indoor plant in colder regions. Ideal for indoor table arrangements or gifts; in frost-free zones, it’s a charming garden shrub or container plant, enhancing landscapes.
Poinsettia ‘Classic White’
‘Classic White’ offers pure white, star-shaped bracts, exuding timeless sophistication for serene holiday decor. Growing 18-24 inches with a bushy, upright form, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last up to 6 weeks, but it’s sensitive to drafts.
Hardy in zones 9-11; houseplant elsewhere. Perfect for minimalist indoor holiday displays or gifts; in zones 9-11, it’s a striking hedge or patio plant, requiring darkness for reblooming.
Poinsettia ‘Marren’
‘Marren’ showcases deep red bracts with a velvety texture, offering a rich, luxurious look for bold holiday displays. This 18-24-inch cultivar has a vigorous, upright habit, thriving in bright, diffused light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 5-6 weeks, needing consistent moisture.
Hardy in zones 9-11; indoor plant in cooler zones. Suited for large indoor holiday arrangements or gifts; in warm climates, it’s a dramatic shrub or container plant, adding festive depth.
Poinsettia ‘Christmas Ribbons’
‘Christmas Ribbons’ features red bracts with white streaks, resembling ribbon-wrapped gifts for a festive, playful aesthetic. Growing 12-18 inches with a compact, bushy form, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, but it’s pest-prone.
Hardy in zones 9-11; houseplant in colder regions. Ideal for indoor holiday centerpieces or gifts; in zones 9-11, it’s a lively garden shrub or patio accent, requiring darkness for blooms.
Poinsettia ‘Christmas Party Pink’
‘Christmas Party Pink’ dazzles with vibrant hot pink bracts, bringing a bold, celebratory vibe to holiday decor. This 12-18-inch cultivar has a bushy habit, thriving in bright, diffused light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-6 weeks, needing high humidity.
Hardy in zones 9-11; indoor plant elsewhere. Perfect for lively indoor holiday displays or gifts; in frost-free zones, it’s a vibrant hedge or container plant, enhancing festive landscapes.
Poinsettia ‘Peppermint Twist’
‘Peppermint Twist’ displays red and white marbled bracts with a swirling pattern, evoking candy canes for whimsical holiday charm. Growing 12-18 inches with a compact form, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, sensitive to overwatering.
Hardy in zones 9-11; houseplant in cooler zones. Suited for playful indoor holiday arrangements or gifts; in zones 9-11, it’s a unique garden shrub or patio plant, adding festive flair.
Poinsettia ‘Vision of Grandeur’
‘Vision of Grandeur’ features creamy white bracts with soft pink edges, offering a luxurious, elegant look for holiday settings. Growing 18-24 inches with an upright, bushy habit, it thrives in bright, diffused light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 5-6 weeks, needing stable conditions.
Hardy in zones 9-11; indoor plant in colder regions. Ideal for sophisticated indoor holiday decor or gifts; in warm climates, it’s a stunning hedge or container plant, requiring darkness control.
Poinsettia ‘Polar Bear’
‘Polar Bear’ boasts pure white bracts with a velvety texture, resembling fresh snow for a serene holiday aesthetic. This 18-24-inch cultivar has a vigorous, upright form, thriving in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last up to 6 weeks, but it’s draft-sensitive.
Hardy in zones 9-11; houseplant elsewhere. Perfect for minimalist indoor holiday displays or gifts; in zones 9-11, it’s a striking landscape shrub or patio plant, enhancing winter gardens.
Poinsettia ‘Cinnamon Star’
‘Cinnamon Star’ glows with warm, cinnamon-orange bracts, adding a spicy, cozy vibe to holiday decor. Growing 12-18 inches with a compact, bushy habit, it thrives in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, needing protection from pests.
Hardy in zones 9-11; indoor plant in cooler zones. Suited for warm-toned indoor holiday arrangements or gifts; in frost-free zones, it’s a vibrant garden shrub or container accent, boosting festive appeal.
Poinsettia ‘Cinnamon Star’
‘Cinnamon Star’ radiates warmth with cinnamon-orange bracts, evoking a spicy, cozy holiday glow against dark green foliage. Growing 12-18 inches with a compact, bushy habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, but it’s susceptible to whiteflies, requiring neem oil treatment. This cultivar’s unique hue adds a festive, autumnal charm, ideal for vibrant holiday decor.
Poinsettia ‘Red Glitter’
‘Red Glitter’ dazzles with red bracts speckled with white, resembling sparkling holiday lights for a festive, cheerful display. This 12-18-inch cultivar has a bushy, upright form, thriving in bright, diffused light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its self-cleaning bracts last 4-6 weeks, but it’s sensitive to drafts, which can cause leaf drop. Perfect for lively holiday arrangements, it adds playful elegance.
Poinsettia ‘Sonora White’
‘Sonora White’ features creamy white, star-shaped bracts, offering a serene, sophisticated look for minimalist holiday decor. Growing 18-24 inches with a vigorous, upright habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with moist, well-drained soil. Its bracts last up to 6 weeks, but overwatering risks root rot. This cultivar’s clean aesthetic suits elegant festive settings, requiring stable conditions.
Poinsettia ‘Princettia Pure White’
‘Princettia Pure White’ boasts snow-white bracts with a compact, rounded shape, creating a delicate, modern holiday vibe. This 10-14-inch dwarf cultivar has a dense, mounding habit, thriving in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, and it’s less prone to legginess, ideal for small spaces. Its petite size enhances tabletop holiday displays.
Poinsettia ‘Freedom Pink’
‘Freedom Pink’ showcases soft pink bracts with a subtle coral undertone, adding a gentle, romantic touch to holiday decor. Growing 18-24 inches with a bushy, upright form, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 5-6 weeks, needing high humidity to maintain vibrancy. This cultivar’s warm hue suits cozy festive arrangements.
Poinsettia ‘Mars Marble’
‘Mars Marble’ displays creamy white bracts with pinkish-red marbling, offering a soft, artistic effect for holiday elegance. This 12-18-inch cultivar has a compact, bushy habit, thriving in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, but it’s sensitive to overwatering, risking root issues. Ideal for refined holiday centerpieces, it adds subtle beauty.
Poinsettia ‘Viking Red’
‘Viking Red’ features bold, deep red bracts with a velvety texture, embodying a classic, robust holiday spirit. Growing 18-24 inches with a strong, upright habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its durable bracts last 5-6 weeks, and it’s less draft-sensitive, ensuring easy care. Perfect for large-scale holiday displays, it’s a timeless favorite.
Poinsettia ‘Candy Wintergreen’
‘Candy Wintergreen’ offers pale green bracts with pink veins, creating a fresh, minty holiday aesthetic. This 12-18-inch cultivar has a bushy, upright form, thriving in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, needing stable temperatures to avoid leaf drop. Its unique color adds a modern twist to festive decor.
Poinsettia ‘Carousel Dark Red’
‘Carousel Dark Red’ showcases deep red, curled bracts resembling a carousel’s ornate curves, adding a textured, dramatic holiday look. Growing 12-16 inches with a compact, mounding habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, but it’s prone to pests like aphids. Ideal for unique holiday arrangements, it’s eye-catching.
Poinsettia ‘Princettia Hot Pink’
‘Princettia Hot Pink’ dazzles with vibrant hot pink bracts, offering a bold, celebratory holiday vibe in a compact form. This 10-14-inch dwarf cultivar has a dense, mounding habit, thriving in bright, diffused light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, needing high humidity. Perfect for lively holiday tabletop displays, it’s low-maintenance.
Poinsettia ‘Golden Glow’
‘Golden Glow’ radiates with creamy yellow bracts, evoking a warm, golden holiday light against dark green foliage. Growing 18-24 inches with a bushy, upright habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 5-6 weeks, but it’s sensitive to cold drafts. This cultivar’s sunny hue suits festive, cheerful arrangements.
Poinsettia ‘Luv U Pink’
‘Luv U Pink’ features soft, bubblegum-pink bracts, adding a sweet, romantic touch to holiday decor. Growing 12-18 inches with a compact, bushy form, it thrives in bright, diffused light and 60-70°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 4-5 weeks, needing consistent moisture to avoid wilting. Ideal for cozy holiday centerpieces, it’s charming and vibrant.
Poinsettia ‘Red Velvet’
‘Red Velvet’ boasts rich, velvety red bracts, offering a luxurious, classic holiday aesthetic with deep green leaves. Growing 18-24 inches with a vigorous, upright habit, it thrives in bright, indirect light and 65-75°F with well-drained soil. Its bracts last 5-6 weeks, and it’s moderately pest-resistant. Perfect for bold holiday displays, it exudes timeless elegance.