Poinsettias in the ground? Who knew!

For anyone in USDA Zone 9 and above, here’s some post-Christmas inspiration: plant your poinsettia in the ground! They can grow into stunning, tall plants when given the space.

Winslow said:
Wow, I had no idea they could grow this tall!

That’s their natural size! The small ones in stores are cultivated to stay compact for easier sales.

Oakley said:

Winslow said:
Wow, I had no idea they could grow this tall!

That’s their natural size! The small ones in stores are cultivated to stay compact for easier sales.

Does the hardiness zone play a role in how big they get?

@Quincy
This one is growing in Zone 10b in Southern California with some extra irrigation.

Winslow said:
Wow, I had no idea they could grow this tall!

This one was heavily pruned too! It would’ve been even taller if we hadn’t cut it back. Still flowered beautifully despite the trimming.

That’s massive. Fun fact: its real name is Cuetlaxochitl, from the Nahuatl language. It might mean ‘skin flower.’

Is it just planted in the ground? How long have you had it, and what’s your climate like?

Phoenix said:
Is it just planted in the ground? How long have you had it, and what’s your climate like?

Yep, straight into the ground. It’s been there for at least ten years in a Mediterranean climate.

Phoenix said:
Is it just planted in the ground? How long have you had it, and what’s your climate like?

What’s your name, address, and phone number? Blood type while you’re at it?

I’m in Zone 8. Do you think I can risk planting one?

Briar said:
I’m in Zone 8. Do you think I can risk planting one?

Maybe? They’re native to Zones 9-11. If your winters are cold, it might not make it. Also, they need specific light conditions to bloom.

@Oak
Can they be propagated? I’d love to try this but don’t want to risk my main plant.

Eli said:
@Oak
Can they be propagated? I’d love to try this but don’t want to risk my main plant.

I’m not sure, honestly.

Oak said:

Eli said:
@Oak
Can they be propagated? I’d love to try this but don’t want to risk my main plant.

I’m not sure, honestly.

Good news! I looked it up, and they grow well from cuttings. Definitely going to try it now.

How do you care for them? I had no idea they could grow so big outdoors.

They’re so much bigger and brighter than the ones in stores. Amazing!

Lol, where I live, they often come with a warning.

Looks so healthy! Great job.

Do you know what kind of soil pH they prefer? Would they grow well in neutral soil?