Transferring poinsettias outdoors

by Andrea
(Laurel, MD)

I heard that poinsettias can be moved/planted outdoors. Is that true? If it is, what a shame that we've thrown them out when they seemed to "die" indoors!

Doug says that yes indeed, you can grow them outdoors. As long as you live in an area that doesn't get frost.

This is a Mexican shrub - not at all hardy and a touch of frost is going to do some really ugly things to it.

I note that growing them outdoors is a great thing to do (potted) because when you bring them back indoors in the fall, that reduction in light levels is the first step on initiating new flower/bract formation. But click here for instructions on getting them to rebloom.