How do you properly care for a poinsettia?

Question

it has been planted in a flower bed for about five years, and it is now about 3 feet tall

Answer 1

wow, where the heck do you live?

i just buy a new one every christmas.

Answer 2

First I must say I never knew you could plant a poinsettia outside, I have never had any luck with this flower, they are a little particular.  I found this web page on how to care for them.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG352,  hope this helps..