Every December, I walk into a garden center planning to buy one poinsettia. I walk out with three.<\/p>\n
It happens every single year. I spot a classic red one, then a pink one with speckles, then a white one that looks like fresh snow, and I just cannot say no.<\/p>\n
Most people think poinsettias only come in one color. Red, tall, and sitting by the front door.<\/p>\n
But there are hundreds of varieties out there, and new ones show up almost every season. Some have ruffled bracts, some look splashed with paint, and some are shaped like little roses.<\/p>\n
In this guide, I will walk you through 29 different types of poinsettia plants, sorted by color. I will also share a few simple care tips at the end so your plant looks good well past the holidays.<\/p>\n
A Quick Note Before We Start<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe colorful parts of a poinsettia are not petals. They are called bracts, which are leaves that change color.<\/p>\n
The real flowers are the tiny yellow buds in the center of each cluster.<\/p>\n
Why does this matter? Because tight yellow buds and firm bracts tell you the plant is fresh. Keep that in mind when you shop.<\/p>\n
One more thing. Variety names and series names change often, and different growers sell them under slightly different labels. Always check the plant tag, and ask the staff if you are unsure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Why Red Poinsettias Matter?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/figure>\nRed is the color that made the poinsettia famous. Even with so many new shades out there, red is still the one most people reach for first.<\/p>\n
There is a good reason for that. Let me explain.<\/p>\n
It is tied to Christmas.<\/strong> Red has been linked to the holiday for a long time. One old story from Mexico says a poor girl had nothing to give at Christmas Eve church service, so she left a handful of weeds at the altar. They turned bright red, and the plant became known as the Christmas Eve<\/a> flower.<\/p>\nCheck this: 27 Ideas for Decorating with Poinsettias for Christmas<\/a><\/p>\nIt has deep roots in Mexico.<\/strong> Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where the Aztecs used the red bracts to make dye. In 1825, Joel Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, sent plants home to South Carolina. That is how the plant got its name.<\/p>\nIt sells the most.<\/strong> Red is the top-selling poinsettia color by a wide margin, and the poinsettia is one of the best-selling potted plants in the US during the holidays. That means red plants are easy to find, usually cost less, and come in many sizes.<\/p>\nIt goes with almost everything.<\/strong> Red looks good with green wreaths, gold ornaments, white lights, and plain wood. If you are not sure what to buy, red is the safe choice.<\/p>\nIt shows the plant is doing well.<\/strong> Poinsettia bracts turn red when the plant gets long, dark nights in fall. A bright, even red color is a good sign that the plant was grown and cared for properly.<\/p>\nSo while pink, white, and marbled types are fun, red is still the heart of the poinsettia world.<\/p>\n
29 Different Types of Poinsettia Plants<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe color you pick sets the mood of your whole celebration. It is the first thing your guests notice when they walk in.<\/p>\n
Red feels warm, classic, and full of tradition. Think Santa suits, ribbons, and big family dinners.<\/p>\n
White feels calm and clean. It makes a room look like a quiet winter morning, which is perfect for a simple, elegant holiday.<\/p>\n
Pink feels soft and playful. It brings a fresh, modern touch, and it is great if you want something a little different.<\/p>\n
Marbled and speckled types add fun and surprise, while orange and burgundy ones bring a cozy glow.<\/p>\n
Red Poinsettia Varieties<\/strong><\/h3>\nRed is still the most popular poinsettia color, and for good reason. It looks warm, festive, and goes with almost any decor.<\/p>\n
Here are six red types worth knowing.<\/p>\n
1. Prestige Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"poinsettias](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/poinsettias-association-with-christmas-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nPrestige Red is the classic poinsettia most people picture in their head. It has deep red bracts and dark green leaves.<\/p>\n
The stems are sturdy and the color lasts well into the new year. If you are new to poinsettias, this is a safe place to start.<\/p>\n
2. Freedom Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/freedom-red-poinsettia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nFreedom Red has been around for a long time, and many growers still trust it. The bracts are bright red and the plant grows full and bushy.<\/p>\n
It handles shipping and store lighting better than many fancy types. That is why you see it in so many stores during the holidays.<\/p>\n
3. Cortez Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Cortez-Red-poinsettia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nCortez Red is known for its rich, true red color. The bracts are large, and the plant tends to stay nicely compact.<\/p>\n
I like it for small tables and windowsills, where a taller plant would feel too big for the space.<\/p>\n
4. Carousel Dark Red<\/strong><\/h3>\nCarousel Dark Red has a deeper shade than most reds. Think of the color of red wine.<\/p>\n
Its bracts look almost velvety in low light, which makes it a nice fit for a cozy living room corner or a dark entryway.<\/p>\n
Also Read: How to Make Poinsettias Bloom<\/a>?<\/p>\n5. Peterstar Red<\/strong><\/h3>\nPeterstar Red is an older variety, but it is still a favorite with many gardeners. The color is a warm cherry red and the bracts are medium sized.<\/p>\n
It works well if you want that old-fashioned Christmas look without any fuss.<\/p>\n
6. Premium Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Premium-Red-poinsettia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nPremium Red is a newer take on the classic red. It usually has large bracts and a full, rounded shape.<\/p>\n
If you want one big plant to fill a spot by the door or on a mantel, this is a good one to ask for.<\/p>\n
White and Cream Poinsettia Varieties<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhite poinsettias look clean and calm, especially in a room with lots of green or silver decor.<\/p>\n
They also show bumps and bruises more easily, so carry them home with care.<\/p>\n
7. Polar Bear<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/polar-bear-poinsettia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nPolar Bear has creamy white bracts that look like fresh snow. It looks great next to a green wreath or on a silver tray.<\/p>\n
Because the bracts are light colored, any damage shows fast. Keep the plant away from cold car windows on the way home.<\/p>\n
8. Alaska White<\/strong><\/h3>\nAlaska White has clean, bright white bracts with a soft touch of green near the center.<\/p>\n
It looks fresh and simple. A lot of people pair it with a red one to make a classic two-color display.<\/p>\n
9. Sonora White Glitter<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Sonora-White-Glitter.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSonora White Glitter has white bracts with a hint of sparkle, almost like frost on a window.<\/p>\n
Some glitter types get a light shimmer spray at the nursery. Check the tag so you know what you are buying.<\/p>\n
10. Princettia White<\/strong><\/h3>\nPrincettia is a line of dwarf poinsettias, and the white one is a good choice for small spaces. The bracts are creamy white and the plant stays short and tidy.<\/p>\n
It fits well on a desk, a shelf, or a kitchen counter in a small apartment.<\/p>\n
Pink Poinsettia Varieties<\/strong><\/h3>\nPink poinsettias have become very popular in the last few years. They feel softer and a little more playful than red.<\/p>\n
They are also great gifts for people who already have a red plant at home.<\/p>\n
11. Princettia Pink<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/pink-poinsettias.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nPrincettia Pink is a soft pink with a neat, rounded shape. Like the white one, it is a dwarf type, so it stays small.<\/p>\n
It is one of the easiest pinks to fit into a tight spot.<\/p>\n
12. Cortez Pink<\/strong><\/h3>\nCortez Pink has bright, candy-pink bracts. The color is bold, but it does not feel too loud.<\/p>\n
I like pairing it with a plain white pot for a clean, cheerful look.<\/p>\n
13. Visions of Grandeur<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Visions-of-Grandeur.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nVisions of Grandeur has pink bracts with lighter speckles scattered across them. No two bracts look exactly alike.<\/p>\n
It is a fun pick if you like plants that look a little different from the standard poinsettia.<\/p>\n
14. Monet Twilight<\/strong><\/h3>\nMonet Twilight is a mix of pink and cream with a painted look. The colors blend softly, almost like a watercolor.<\/p>\n
It is one of my favorites for a table centerpiece, since you can see the color from every side.<\/p>\n
Red is the color that made the poinsettia famous. Even with so many new shades out there, red is still the one most people reach for first.<\/p>\n
There is a good reason for that. Let me explain.<\/p>\n
It is tied to Christmas.<\/strong> Red has been linked to the holiday for a long time. One old story from Mexico says a poor girl had nothing to give at Christmas Eve church service, so she left a handful of weeds at the altar. They turned bright red, and the plant became known as the Christmas Eve<\/a> flower.<\/p>\n Check this: 27 Ideas for Decorating with Poinsettias for Christmas<\/a><\/p>\n It has deep roots in Mexico.<\/strong> Poinsettias are native to Mexico, where the Aztecs used the red bracts to make dye. In 1825, Joel Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, sent plants home to South Carolina. That is how the plant got its name.<\/p>\n It sells the most.<\/strong> Red is the top-selling poinsettia color by a wide margin, and the poinsettia is one of the best-selling potted plants in the US during the holidays. That means red plants are easy to find, usually cost less, and come in many sizes.<\/p>\n It goes with almost everything.<\/strong> Red looks good with green wreaths, gold ornaments, white lights, and plain wood. If you are not sure what to buy, red is the safe choice.<\/p>\n It shows the plant is doing well.<\/strong> Poinsettia bracts turn red when the plant gets long, dark nights in fall. A bright, even red color is a good sign that the plant was grown and cared for properly.<\/p>\n So while pink, white, and marbled types are fun, red is still the heart of the poinsettia world.<\/p>\n The color you pick sets the mood of your whole celebration. It is the first thing your guests notice when they walk in.<\/p>\n Red feels warm, classic, and full of tradition. Think Santa suits, ribbons, and big family dinners.<\/p>\n White feels calm and clean. It makes a room look like a quiet winter morning, which is perfect for a simple, elegant holiday.<\/p>\n Pink feels soft and playful. It brings a fresh, modern touch, and it is great if you want something a little different.<\/p>\n Marbled and speckled types add fun and surprise, while orange and burgundy ones bring a cozy glow.<\/p>\n Red is still the most popular poinsettia color, and for good reason. It looks warm, festive, and goes with almost any decor.<\/p>\n Here are six red types worth knowing.<\/p>\n Prestige Red is the classic poinsettia most people picture in their head. It has deep red bracts and dark green leaves.<\/p>\n The stems are sturdy and the color lasts well into the new year. If you are new to poinsettias, this is a safe place to start.<\/p>\n Freedom Red has been around for a long time, and many growers still trust it. The bracts are bright red and the plant grows full and bushy.<\/p>\n It handles shipping and store lighting better than many fancy types. That is why you see it in so many stores during the holidays.<\/p>\n Cortez Red is known for its rich, true red color. The bracts are large, and the plant tends to stay nicely compact.<\/p>\n I like it for small tables and windowsills, where a taller plant would feel too big for the space.<\/p>\n Carousel Dark Red has a deeper shade than most reds. Think of the color of red wine.<\/p>\n Its bracts look almost velvety in low light, which makes it a nice fit for a cozy living room corner or a dark entryway.<\/p>\n Also Read: How to Make Poinsettias Bloom<\/a>?<\/p>\n Peterstar Red is an older variety, but it is still a favorite with many gardeners. The color is a warm cherry red and the bracts are medium sized.<\/p>\n It works well if you want that old-fashioned Christmas look without any fuss.<\/p>\n Premium Red is a newer take on the classic red. It usually has large bracts and a full, rounded shape.<\/p>\n If you want one big plant to fill a spot by the door or on a mantel, this is a good one to ask for.<\/p>\n White poinsettias look clean and calm, especially in a room with lots of green or silver decor.<\/p>\n They also show bumps and bruises more easily, so carry them home with care.<\/p>\n Polar Bear has creamy white bracts that look like fresh snow. It looks great next to a green wreath or on a silver tray.<\/p>\n Because the bracts are light colored, any damage shows fast. Keep the plant away from cold car windows on the way home.<\/p>\n Alaska White has clean, bright white bracts with a soft touch of green near the center.<\/p>\n It looks fresh and simple. A lot of people pair it with a red one to make a classic two-color display.<\/p>\n Sonora White Glitter has white bracts with a hint of sparkle, almost like frost on a window.<\/p>\n Some glitter types get a light shimmer spray at the nursery. Check the tag so you know what you are buying.<\/p>\n Princettia is a line of dwarf poinsettias, and the white one is a good choice for small spaces. The bracts are creamy white and the plant stays short and tidy.<\/p>\n It fits well on a desk, a shelf, or a kitchen counter in a small apartment.<\/p>\n Pink poinsettias have become very popular in the last few years. They feel softer and a little more playful than red.<\/p>\n They are also great gifts for people who already have a red plant at home.<\/p>\n Princettia Pink is a soft pink with a neat, rounded shape. Like the white one, it is a dwarf type, so it stays small.<\/p>\n It is one of the easiest pinks to fit into a tight spot.<\/p>\n Cortez Pink has bright, candy-pink bracts. The color is bold, but it does not feel too loud.<\/p>\n I like pairing it with a plain white pot for a clean, cheerful look.<\/p>\n Visions of Grandeur has pink bracts with lighter speckles scattered across them. No two bracts look exactly alike.<\/p>\n It is a fun pick if you like plants that look a little different from the standard poinsettia.<\/p>\n Monet Twilight is a mix of pink and cream with a painted look. The colors blend softly, almost like a watercolor.<\/p>\n It is one of my favorites for a table centerpiece, since you can see the color from every side.<\/p>\n29 Different Types of Poinsettia Plants<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Red Poinsettia Varieties<\/strong><\/h3>\n
1. Prestige Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\n2. Freedom Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\n3. Cortez Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\n4. Carousel Dark Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n
5. Peterstar Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n
6. Premium Red<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\nWhite and Cream Poinsettia Varieties<\/strong><\/h3>\n
7. Polar Bear<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\n8. Alaska White<\/strong><\/h3>\n
9. Sonora White Glitter<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\n10. Princettia White<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pink Poinsettia Varieties<\/strong><\/h3>\n
11. Princettia Pink<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\n12. Cortez Pink<\/strong><\/h3>\n
13. Visions of Grandeur<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/figure>\n14. Monet Twilight<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Strawberries-and-Cream.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Marblestar-poinsettia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Jingle-Bells.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Picasso-poinsettia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Orange-Spice.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Dyed-Blue-Poinsettia.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![](\"https:\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/images\/pidgets\/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/homesteadgardener.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/file.jpg\")
<\/div>\n