Poinsettia Overview
Poinsettia is widely known as the “Christmas” flower of Mexico. Many people think of it as a holiday potted plant, but in Hawaii it can also grow outdoors in gardens and reach up to about 12 feet tall.
In Hawaii, poinsettia blooms from November through March. Scarlet red is the most common color, but white and salmon-colored varieties are also grown. These bright colors make poinsettia especially noticeable during the cooler months.
Colorful Bracts and True Flowers
One of the most interesting poinsettia facts is that the showy red, white or salmon parts are not the true flowers. They are colored leaves called bracts. The real flowers are the small yellow-green centers tucked inside the bracts.
This detail explains why poinsettia looks so different from many garden flowers. Its color comes mostly from leaves, while the actual flowers stay small and easy to miss.
Poinsettia adds bright seasonal color to Hawaii gardens and planted areas. Related Hawaii flower and foliage pages include croton, Persian Shield, hibiscus and plumeria.
