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Euphorbia punicea (Jamaican poinsettia)

Euphorbia punicea is an evergreen, drought tolerant shrub that has dark green leaves and showy red flowers or bracts that resemble a Poinsettia. The brightly colored bracts are sharply contrasted by rosettes of dark green leaves below. Euphorbia punicea is an unusual, easy to grow plant suitable for xeriscaping in southern climates or as a seasonal patio container plant in all climates.

Background
Evergreen shrub native to the central and western areas of Jamaica. The species can be quite variable in its leaf size and color of its bracts ranging from brilliant scarlet to crimson and even pinkish orange. Specimens can grow to a height of 15 feet but rarely seen in cultivation.

Uses
Specimen or accent plant or small tree ideal for half day to full sun locations in the landscape or in large deep containers. Heat and drought tolerant and great for commercial use.

Flowering
Fall, winter, spring and early summer. Inflorescences are terminal on the stem.

Temperature
For landscape use USDA Zone 10b 35° to 100° F+. Protect from frost or freezing.

Soil
Any well drained mix. Tolerates pH 5.5 to 7.0

Water
For commercial container production keep well watered to maintain vigorous growth and flowers. Do not allow to dry out between watering. Drought tolerant in the landscape.

Nutrition
Heavy feeders. Incorporate or top dress at medium to high rate a well balanced formula.

Light
Full sun produces the best plant as well as clear poly. Use no more than 30% shade level.

Insects
White fly, mealy bug, occasionally aphids.

Disease
Root rot in saturated soils or where soil is heavy and dense. Stem rot following an injury may occur rarely.

Growing Tips
Plant liners in 1 gallon pots for 8 – 10 weeks, let bloom and branch and then up pot to 3 gallon and grow to salable size. Plants naturally branch after flowering, but can receive a soft tipping to encourage branching as needed. Early removal of the flowers and bracts (see illustration) improves branching.

Finished plants should be well balanced and umbrella shaped with an even distribution of blooms. Well grown 7 to 10 gallon specimens can take 2 – 3 years to grow, but find a willing market and premium prices.

Notes
Our selection is large leafed with bright orange/red bracts and is strongly branched. Occasional variegation may be seen in the new growth when the plant is growing rapidly. The variegation is transient and the variegated leaves will turn green. Milky sap is sticky and can be a skin irritant for some people.

This text is a recommendation only; it is not an endorsement of any products or acceptance of any liability as a result of usage.

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