In colder climates, poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are generally considered indoor plants to be enjoyed during the holiday season. In zones 9 and higher, though, poinsettias can be grown outside, and are actually great nectar plants for butterflies.

Poinsettia flowers are deceiving to the casual observer. The bright red “blooms”  (or pink or white in some cases) that draw the eye are actually leaves. The flowers themselves are small, yellow, and located at the ends of branches. Since they’re not particularly showy, the colored leaves (known technically as “bracts”) help to draw pollinators to the flowers.

Butterflies are common visitors to poinsettia, and important pollinators. When they stop by to drink from the yellow buds, their legs and bodies brush against the short red stamens, picking up the yellow pollen to be distributed when they fly off to visit another plant.

Poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America, but can be grown outdoors in areas where winter frosts are rare or unknown. Left to its own devices, poinsettia will become tall (up to 10 feet) and fairly leggy, although it can be pruned to retain a more compact shape.

Growing Tips:

• Grow in full sun in well-drained soil; overly wet soil will cause leaves to drop.
• All pruning should be done before mid-August when flower buds have begun to set for the winter.
• Poinsettias will flower and attain brightly-colored leaves in the winter months only. They require 12 hours of darkness for at least 5 nights in a row before the color changes will begin. Even bright streetlights can cause confusion for this plant, so consider location before planting outdoors.
• If you live in an area with cold winters, you can still grow poinsettias in pots for years. Learn more at BirdsandBlooms.com.

Do you grow poinsettia outdoors? Do you ever see butterflies nectaring, or other pollinators visiting? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Tagged as: Butterfly Gardening, Flower Gardening