Asked on Jan 31, 2016

Poinsettia hedge in Maitland, Florida

Bartmann
by Bartmann

I planted over 20 poinsettia's just after Thanksgiving in an east facing planter that is not too far from the front of my house. They are getting a lot of morning/early afternoon sun, but a lot of mid/late afternoon shade. I took great efforts to nurture these in hopes that I can have beautiful poinsettias for many years. With proper poinsettia care, pruning, and moisture, will these plants last? If so, when should I cut them back? How much should I cut them back? Thanks...

Poinsettia Hedge in Central Florida
  10 answers
  • Cathy Cathy on Feb 01, 2016
    they will actually grow very large and be very leggy, but look beautiful that way---so you might have planted too many too close together---if you want the small uniform shape you will definitely have to keep them trimmed back---my grandmother grew them outside here in MD and they were just gorgeous as they got bigger and bigger. But remember that they will have a dormant period of time---just not sure when it will be for you.
  • I have to say that they look good. I grown one that is always under the shade in summer and bring it in the fall which is does horribly. If this is your picture after 2 months, then you are doing a great job. At some point they may stop 'blooming' which I can see by the pics there are some new leaves appearing. Gardening is about we learn and experience and as long as you keep these guys moist but not wet. I do not prune unless the plant has a dead branch or stem or it has just gotten so out of shape that it needs it. I am a firm believer in just letting it grow. Poinsettias do get huge and I knew someone years ago who had one that was over 30 years old that got over 6' tall. so you may need to thin these guys out and/or keep them shaped. Good luck
  • Pat Pat on Feb 01, 2016
    Does not Maitland have high humidity? I could easily grow poinsettias in San Diego, because it was very dry, and these plants don't care too much for water. But good luck to you!!
  • Leslie Leslie on Feb 01, 2016
    My friend in Longboat Key planted her poinsettias outside of her screened lanai, they have grown beautifully for more than 5 years now. She doesn't cut them back, so they are leggy, but tall. Cutting back will grow many new shoots, fuller but shorter. Choose the method you prefer.
  • Deanie Winter Deanie Winter on Feb 01, 2016
    Poinsettia's like a good cold snap to produce color in the coming years. I can't imagine them thriving in the Florida climate. They will look pretty for a while but after the current blooming cycle has finished they might not survive. I hope you prove me wrong.
    • COCO COCO on Feb 05, 2016
      @Deanie Winter SORRY TO SAY BUT: IN Palm Coast, Florida (central FL) my neighbors have BUSHES of OLD poinsetias. They do freeze back once in a while, but what a come-back each year. Up to 4 feet tall!!!
  • DORLIS DORLIS on Feb 01, 2016
    When I was in school in Mexico, they had them growing to the roof of the buildings. They had blooms at the top and up from the ground. Of course, the school had a staff of gardeners to care for them. I live in Missouri so I just try to keep them alive during the winter so I can put them outside in large pots for the summer.
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Feb 02, 2016
    I have a large poinsettia that has been here in Debary, Fl for about 5 years. Gets prettier each year with morning sun and shade in the afternoon. I cut it back about 1/3 after blooming and again 1/3 in September.
  • Lorraine Lorraine on Feb 03, 2016
    Poinsettias will freeze so if we get a freeze warning, be sure to cover and protect. Good luck.
  • Martha Martha on Feb 06, 2016
    It's not the cold that makes them bloom, it's the amount of light. When the days get short they will bloom. That is if there is not a street light that gives them too much light. We use to live in the Rio Grand Valley of Texas. That's way down by Mexico. HOT! And they did well there. Enjoy them.
  • Sandra Sandra on Feb 09, 2016
    I live in Titusville and have had okay luck with Poinsettias. However, I have a friend who has gorgeous plants in her front yard. They really put on quite a lovely show at Christmas. Hers face south. And, they are almost 5 feet tall around Christmas. Your border will be lovely.