Bird-of-Paradise Flower Euphorbia pulcherrima
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- yoo-FOR-bee-ah pul-cher-REE-mah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
The poinsettia is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family. The plant is native to Mexico, and was brought to the United States in the early 1800's by Joel Poinsette, who was ambassador to Mexico at the time. The genus name may honor Euphorbus, who was a physician to the King of Mauretania. The species name translates to “beautiful.” In its native habitat, the plant can grow to 10 feet high. However, it is typically grown as a potted plant, where it rarely exceeds 2 to 3 feet.
The plant grows best in part shade at temperatures of 60 degrees or higher. Its water needs are moderate, so do not let the plant dry out, but do not overwater. To maintain the plant in the garden, begin fertilizing in the spring. Prune or pinch back through the summer to promote the main branches and produce the desired fall color. To propagate poinsettias, use stem cuttings in early summer with rooting hormone and potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
The cup-shaped yellow "flowers" bloom during the Christmas season and cluster above showy red, pink, or cream-colored leafy bracts. A large yellow gland on the rim of the "flower" adds to its decorative appeal. The stems and leaves produce a milky sap when cut or torn. The poinsettia holds the largest share of potted plant sales during the Christmas season.
If kept indoors, provide as much sun as possible during the day. Poinsettia plants have a low severity as far as being poisonous; studies have shown that a significant amount of the plant would have to be ingested before registering a mild stomach ache. However, the white sap can cause reactions in people who have latex allergies.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mealybugs, red spider mites, scale, and whiteflies. Overwatering can cause root and stem rot.
VIDEO Created by Homegrown featuring Ingram McCall, Research Specialist at NC State University
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Alaska'
frosty white bracts - 'Biancaneve White'
bracts in shades of pale pink, cream, and gold - 'Christmas Mouse'
small, rounded red bracts, shaped like mouse ears - 'Enduring Marble'
creamy bracts, marbled with rose pink - 'Grande Italia'
red bracts, taller variety - 'Kayla Red'
ruby red bracts - 'Pink Champagne'
coral pink bracts with shades of deep rose - 'Sky Star'
crimson bracts, sprinkled with white dots - 'Tapestry'
variegated leaves of yellow and green. bright red bracts
- 'Alaska'
- 'Alaska', 'Biancaneve White', 'Christmas Mouse', 'Enduring Marble', 'Grande Italia', 'Kayla Red', 'Pink Champagne', 'Sky Star', 'Tapestry'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Alaska'
frosty white bracts - 'Biancaneve White'
bracts in shades of pale pink, cream, and gold - 'Christmas Mouse'
small, rounded red bracts, shaped like mouse ears - 'Enduring Marble'
creamy bracts, marbled with rose pink - 'Grande Italia'
red bracts, taller variety - 'Kayla Red'
ruby red bracts - 'Pink Champagne'
coral pink bracts with shades of deep rose - 'Sky Star'
crimson bracts, sprinkled with white dots - 'Tapestry'
variegated leaves of yellow and green. bright red bracts
- 'Alaska'
- 'Alaska', 'Biancaneve White', 'Christmas Mouse', 'Enduring Marble', 'Grande Italia', 'Kayla Red', 'Pink Champagne', 'Sky Star', 'Tapestry'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Euphorbia
- Species:
- pulcherrima
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Western Mexico
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 7 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- High
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Winter
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- Bracts
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Cup-shaped inconspicuous tiny yellow "flowers" cluster above the showy red, pink, or white leafy bracts. A large yellow gland appears on the rim of the "flower" (the cluster of flowers called a cyathium). Seasonal bloomer but most often grown to bloom in winter through spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Semi-evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Denticulate
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Large, ovate alternate leaves, with or without blunt teeth on the margin.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Stems contain a milky sap.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Pollution
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
-
-
Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Diterpene esters in milky latex
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems
