Nordic Star Poinsettia

Nordic Star Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Nordic Star') is an open, bushy shrub with deep red bracts, the coloured leaves that act as flowers, through the winter months. In a pot it stays 30 to 60cm high and about 60cm wide, and planted in a frost free garden it matures into a large shrub of 2 to 3m. It is a classic plant for seasonal colour.

Why you'll love it

• Deep red all over. Dark red bracts give a richer, more dramatic look than lighter red poinsettias.
• Bushy and branching. Lots of branching stems carry colour right around the plant, so it looks full from every side.
• Pot now, garden later. Grow it as an indoor or patio plant, and plant it out later in a frost free garden where it will reach shrub size.
• Colour on a schedule. Poinsettias are short day plants, so they colour up as the days shorten into winter.
• Warmth brightens it. A warm position gives brighter colour, and cold weather is its main enemy.

Where it works best

Indoor displays and potted colour. Use it as a feature in a bright living room, a hallway or beside an entry. Move it to a slightly larger pot as it grows, using standard potting mix.

Winter colour in warm gardens. In subtropical and tropical gardens with no frost, plant it in the open ground for winter colour. Allow about 2m between plants, because it grows into a large shrub.

Verandahs and sheltered patios. A sheltered, open and airy spot with plenty of light suits it best.

Growing Nordic Star Poinsettia in Australia

Position and climate. An open, airy location with plenty of light, frost free and warm. Cold weather can make it drop its leaves, so outdoors it suits subtropical and tropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it in a pot and keep it inside through winter.

Soil. Fertile, moist soil, or a standard potting mix with good drainage. Move it into a slightly bigger pot as it grows.

Water and feed. Keep the soil moist but never soggy, and feed through the growing season. Warmth deepens the colour of the bracts.

Pruning. Cut it back in spring once the colour fades to keep it compact and bushy. The plant begins to colour as daylight shortens, so keep it away from lights at night in autumn. Wear gloves when handling it, because the sap can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Nordic Star Poinsettia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small plant, not in colour, and the red bracts develop as it grows and the days shorten. Pot it up or plant it out in a frost free spot soon after delivery.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Euphorbia and poinsettias
• Indoor flowering plants
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Plants for subtropical climates

Common questions

Is it poisonous?

Yes. Poinsettia sap can irritate skin, and the plant is toxic if eaten, so keep it away from pets and young children.

Why has it not turned red?

Poinsettias colour as daylight shortens. Keep the plant in a warm spot without artificial light at night through autumn, and the bracts should develop.

Can I plant it in the garden?

Only where frosts do not occur. Cold weather can make it drop its leaves. In warm gardens it grows into a large shrub of 2 to 3m.