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This information is provided as a free service to viewers. We do not sell these plants.
Overview
Euphorbia pulcherrima or ther Poinsettia is a medium sized shrub with an open growth habit originating from Central America.
In warmer climates it is an evergreen but in colder area it will tends to lose it leaves.
People often assume that large brightly coloured flower-like heads are petals but these are bracts (coloured leaves), the flowers are small and yellow and found in the at the centre of the bracts.
The bracts require a minimum of 12 hours darkness to develop their full colour over a period of at least 5 days which is why the wonderful displays are only seen in gardens during the winter months.
For best flowering it requires full sun, in shaded areas the plant will be less dense and the flowers less prolific.
Although most often seen in red there are other varieties including cream and pink and others in mottled patterns of red and cream.
This plant is the ultimate symbol of Christmas in California where it grows freely.
Soil: Fertile, well drained soils are required
Maintenance: Prune the long shoots back after flowering to within a few nodes of the previous growth to produce sturdy new growth and large flower heads in the next season.
Toxicity: As with all EUPHORBIACEAE the milky sap is toxic and can irritate the skin and eyes.
Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning or moving these plants.
Other Species: 2,000 others in this extensive genus
Comments: This genus is said to be named in honour of Euphorbus, physician to King Juba of Mauritania. But this plant was originally named after M. Poincette.
Author: Bob Saunders.
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Here we list businesses who usually sell this plant.
Online Retailers
Dawsons Garden World
Serving Perth gardeners for over 100 years, Dawsons have four Perth locations and provide on-line sales.
Delivery to: WA
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Gardenarium
Based in South Australia, specialising in mainstream, rare and unusual perennial plants along with roses and ornamental trees.
Delivery to: ACT,NSW,NT,QLD,SA,VIC,WA
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Local Retailers
| SA |
| Mount Gambier:
Gardenarium |
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| WA |
| Perth - all suburbs:
Dawsons Garden World |
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