Despite being a tropical plant that is native to Mexico and Guatamala, perhaps no plant is more widely associated with the winter holidays than the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). With its flower-like leaves in vibrant shades of red, pink or white, its a traditional holiday gift and popular home decoration.
During December theyre commonly seen on kitchen islands and coffee tables. Some people keep poinsettias alive year round indoors, though they do not bloom all year. Where you dont often see a poinsettia is outdoors, which leads to the question, can this poinsettias live outside in winter?
Hey there! Ever wondered what to do with those gorgeous poinsettias after the holiday season ends? I’ve got good news – you can totally plant them outside! But there’s a bit more to it than just plopping them in your garden. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about growing poinsettias outdoors successfully.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can plant poinsettias outside, but only in the right conditions:
- Zones 10-12 are ideal
- Temperatures must stay above 45°F (7°C)
- Need proper care and timing for successful outdoor growth
- Don’t expect the same stunning holiday display as store-bought plants
When to Move Poinsettias Outdoors
The timing is super important! Here’s what you need to know
- Wait until spring: Don’t rush to plant right after Christmas
- Check temperatures: Must be consistently above 55°F at night
- Frost-free period: Ensure all danger of frost has passed
- Best timing: Usually late March in most regions
Preparing Your Poinsettia for Outdoor Life
Before moving your plant outside, follow these steps
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Indoor care until spring:
- Keep in bright window
- Water when soil feels dry
- Maintain regular feeding schedule
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Pre-planting prep
- Cut back plant by about half
- Remove any dead or yellowing leaves
- Check for any pest issues
Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Location
Your poinsettia’s success depends heavily on where you plant it! Here’s what to look for:
- Sunlight: Bright but protected spot
- Wind protection: Shield from strong gusts
- Soil type: Well-draining, slightly acidic
- Space consideration: Plants can grow 8-10 feet tall and wide!
Planting Tips and Tricks
Here’s how to give your poinsettia the best start outdoors:
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Container vs. Ground:
- Container: Better for most climates
- Ground: Only in warm zones 10-12
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Soil preparation:
- Mix in organic matter
- Ensure good drainage
- Keep soil slightly acidic
-
Spacing:
- Allow 4-6 feet between plants
- Consider mature size
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Taking care of outdoor poinsettias isn’t super complicated, but they do need regular attention:
Water Requirements:
- Daily during hot, dry weather
- Check soil moisture regularly
- Don’t let soil get waterlogged
Fertilizing Schedule:
- Every 2 weeks during growing season
- Use balanced houseplant fertilizer
- Reduce feeding in fall
Pruning Needs:
- Trim regularly for bushier growth
- Pinch tips through summer
- Stop pruning by early September
Common Challenges and Solutions
Let’s be real – you might face some issues. Here’s how to handle them:
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Color Changes:
- Leaves will turn green in spring
- This is normal!
- Color returns with proper light conditions
-
Growth Issues:
- Leggy growth? More pruning needed
- Yellow leaves? Check watering
- Poor growth? Adjust fertilizer
Real Talk: Managing Expectations
I gotta be honest with you – outdoor poinsettias won’t look exactly like the ones you buy at Christmas. Here’s what to expect:
- Less intense colors
- More natural, wild growth pattern
- Smaller bracts (colored leaves)
- Different blooming schedule
Final Tips for Success
Here’s my personal checklist for outdoor poinsettia success:
-
Temperature monitoring:
- Keep an eye on weather forecasts
- Protect during unexpected cold snaps
- Consider bringing container plants inside if needed
-
Light management:
- Avoid artificial night lighting
- Protect from intense afternoon sun
- Gradually acclimate to outdoor light
-
Regular maintenance:
- Weekly checks for issues
- Monthly pruning schedule
- Seasonal care adjustments
Wrapping It Up
Growing poinsettias outside can be a fun garden project! While they might not look exactly like your holiday plants, they can become beautiful additions to your landscape. Just remember – patience and proper care are key. If you’re in the right climate zone and willing to put in some effort, you might just end up with a gorgeous tropical shrub that brings color to your garden year after year!
Happy gardening, y’all!
P.S. Don’t forget to drop a comment below if you’ve had success with outdoor poinsettias – I’d love to hear your stories!
Keeping Your Poinsettia Outside
Given the poinsettia is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and is not suitable for the cold, is it ever possible to keep it outside in winter? The answer depends entirely on how cold it gets where you are. If the temperatures not going to drop below 60 degrees, it should be fine. Keep it watered and out of high winds. Below 50 degrees, the poinsettia may be in danger of dying if left exposed, so keep an eye on the thermometer.
But what if you want to keep your poinsettia outside in colder temps for holiday decor? Though it may not seem like a good idea, there are some tricks for keeping your poinsettia alive outside.
- Dont keep it outside for long periods of time in the cold.
- Dont ever put the poinsettia outside if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing (32 degrees). If the soil freezes, or the leaves freeze, your poinsettia may die. Dont leave the poinsettia outside all night in the cold; bring it back in to protect it from temperatures dropping in the middle of the night.
- If you place the poinsettia in a sunny spot during the day, it may be okay for a few hours, but keep an eye on the temperature. Soil conditions will also affect its cold hardiness.
How Cold Can Poinsettias Get?
The poinsettia is not very cold tolerant, and freezing temperatures will kill your plant. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit might cause the plant to weaken somewhat, and the ideal temperature range for your poinsettia is between 65 and 75 degrees.
However, it may be possible to put your poinsettia outdoors for short periods of time in winter (say for a few hours as a decoration for a holiday gathering), if it doesnt get too cold outside.
TIPS TO GROW POINSETTIA OUTDOORS YEAR ROUND | BEST FERTILIZER | CALIFORNIA MICROCLIMATES | USDA Z9b
FAQ
Can you grow poinsettias outside?
Poinsettia plants outdoors must have a sunny corner to call home, somewhere protected from harsh winds that can damage them quickly. When you are growing poinsettia plants outside, choose a spot with slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Be sure it drains well to avoid root rot. Don’t transplant poinsettia plants outdoors right after Christmas.
Are poinsettias good indoor plants?
These factors make poinsettias good houseplants in most places, but how do they stack up as outdoor plants? Poinsettias can live outdoors year-round in zones 9-11, but if you live north of zone 9, you must bring them indoors for at least a portion of the year.
How do you care for outdoor poinsettia plants?
Caring for outdoor poinsettia plants is not very time consuming or intricate. Once you see green shoots in spring, start a regular watering and feeding program. If you opt to use water soluble fertilizer, add it to the watering can every other week. Alternatively, use slow release pellets in spring.
When should you plant a poinsettia plant?
Start pinching the growing tips in summer and stop about mid-August. If your poinsettia is going to be a permanent resident in your garden, and you want it change colors in time for Christmas, plant it in a spot that stays completely dark for about 12-14 hours every night starting in early October.
Can you put a poinsettia outside for Christmas decor?
If you want to place a grown poinsettia outdoors around the holiday for festive outdoor Christmas decor, make sure the temperatures are not below 50 degrees and that they’re brought back in within a few hours.
How do you grow a poinsettia plant?
In the garden, plant into a garden bed with well-drained soil that gets 4 to 5 hours of sun per day. Mix in organic matter such as peat moss or compost into the soil. This will help maintain soil moisture and create a good growing environment for the roots. Water your poinsettia thoroughly after transplanting.