Can you grow poinsettias outdoors? Expert tips to successfully grow these festive favorites in your yard

Some would argue that no Christmas tablescape is complete until poinsettias take center stage. These red, white and pink houseplants have become synonymous with the festive season and are incorporated into the holiday decorations of many homes every year. But, did you know it's possible to also plant them out in your yard and grow poinsettias outdoors?

Looking after poinsettias is no easy feat, as these plants can be very particular about the care they receive. The slightest of inconsistencies in their growing environment can send them on a downhill spiral of wilting and you might notice your poinsettia dropping leaves. However, if you're pretty confident in caring for these festive houseplants, then you might want to consider taking on the challenge of growing them outdoors.

Of course, they will only be happy in certain conditions, but it is possible to grow poinsettias outdoors successfully. All you need to do is ensure you provide the optimal growing environment. Here are some expert tips to get you started.

How to grow poinsettias outdoors

Before getting started with growing poinsettias outdoors, there a few things to consider:

'Poinsettias thrive outdoors across US hardiness zones nine to zone 11, if you're in a spot where temperatures don't drop below 50°F,' says gardening expert Valeria Nyman.

Native to warm regions of Mexico and Central America, poinsettias won't do well in colder climates. 'These guys are tropical sunbathers - eager for warmth but quick to shiver in the cold,' Valeria adds.

With that in mind, here's how you can grow poinsettias outdoors.

How to grow poinsettias outdoors

• Position: As with other variegated indoor plants and those with colorful foliage, it's important to provide your poinsettia with plenty of light to maintain its vibrant color. 'Position them in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can cause leaf scorch to their delicate bracts (the red 'flowers'),' Valeria advises. If you have a south-facing garden wall, this is the ideal spot: warm, but offering some afternoon shade to avoid over-exposure to direct sunlight. Something to also note is poinsettias need a period of darkness to show off their colors: 'To encourage those iconic red bracts, they need 14 hours of darkness each night starting in early fall,' Valeria explains. 'Cover them with a box or place them in a dark closet,' she suggests.
• Temperature: When attempting to grow any tropical indoor plants outdoors, you need to find the warmest spot in your yard. Poinsettias are no different, as these red houseplants don't make the list of cold-tolerant houseplants. The ideal temperature for poinsettias is between 65–70°F and many houseplant lovers watch their poinsettias fade away when growing them in a too-cold room - a common poinsettia mistake. For this reason, you might choose to make your outdoor poinsettias part of a container garden, so you can move them indoors when temperatures drop. Nevertheless, poinsettias will tolerate as low as 55°F but poinsettias generally can't live outside in the winter.
• Watering: If you're wondering how often to water a poinsettia outdoors, the answer is the same as when you grow one indoors: 'Poinsettias are thirsty houseplants, but don’t overdo it. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering; soggy roots are a death sentence due to root rot,' says Valeria. Consider using a soil moisture meter (from Amazon) to identify when your poinsettia needs watering. Bear in mind that when growing poinsettias outdoors, they will also be watered by rain.

Valeria Nyman

Valeria is the Chief Product Officer at Taim.io, an innovative platform that serves as a personal, adaptive gardening coach, offering weekly advice to users.

FAQs

Do poinsettias need overwintering?

Yes, you do need to overwinter poinsettias if you grow them outdoors. Poinsettias are semi-evergreen shrubs and can display their colorful leaves throughout the year. However, they are not tolerant to freezing temperatures, so you will need to take action to protect these plants from frost. 'Bring them indoors before temperatures dip below 55°F. Keep them near a sunny window but away from drafts and heat sources, and reduce watering,' advises gardening expert Valeria Nyman.

Poinsettias are versatile Christmas plants to grow - grow them as houseplants, in container gardens, or even as a Christmas tree alternative plant. If you're feeling dubious about growing poinsettias outdoors, why not consider Christmas orchids instead?