Ask the Expert: when do I need to prune my outdoor poinsettia's?
I have been told they might get damaged if to big in a Hurricane.  So please help me know how to protect them.  Lucky Lady

Reply:

I assume that you live where the temperature doesn't go below 45 degrees with no frost (or at least very light frost).  Poinsettias can not live outside where the temperatures drop below 45 degrees and they can not tolerate frost.  Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) originate in Mexico and thrive in the heat. They can grow up to 8-10 feet tall but without regular pruning they will become leggy and week. Therefore you need to prune your poinsettias encourage a bushier and stronger plant. You will need to cut old growth back severely in late winter just before any new growth begins. This will encourage the plant to branch which will make the plant bushier and stranger. Several times during the spring and summer pinch the terminal shoots. Stop all pruning your poinsettia around the middle of August.

To get it to bloom follow the same light guidelines for potted poinsettias.

Hope this information is helpful.

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