
Wild Poinsettia
Euphorbia cyathophora
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 9, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Wild Poinsettia
Wild Poinsettia (Euphorbia cyathophora), also called Painted Leaf, is a Florida-native annual found throughout the state, featuring fiddle-shaped upper leaves that flush red or red-and-green at their bases in summer and fall. It self-seeds freely in NE Florida landscapes, attracting pollinators with minimal care — all plant parts are toxic if ingested. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Annual
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Wild Poinsettia performs best in full sun to partial shade. In NE Florida's intense summer, plants in full sun produce the most vivid bract coloration and most prolific self-seeding.
Drought-tolerant and requires little supplemental watering once established. In NE Florida, established plants rarely need irrigation; overwatering encourages stem rot. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Thrives in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained sandy or loamy soil with no fertilizer needed. Overly rich soil encourages excessive vegetative growth at the expense of the showy bracts. This native self-seeds readily and requires virtually no maintenance.
Similar needs

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Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Carolina Wild Petunia
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Common Mallow
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

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Common questions
Is Wild Poinsettia a good plant for St. Augustine?
Wild Poinsettia is a annual for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-3.5 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.


