Spurge
Don't confuse this template with the other Euphorbia already in this KB — the tender Christmas gift-plant poinsettia (`pulcherrima` group_key). This one is a hardy, drought-tolerant garden perennial/sub-shrub grown for architectural form and spring flower bracts, not a houseplant, and the sap-irritation caution applies to both but the growing conditions are otherwise almost opposite.
Care
Most hardy garden species tolerate a good range, though flower colour and stem strength are generally best in full sun.
Drought-tolerant once established; most species dislike sitting wet, especially over winter.
Free-draining soil of most types; tolerant of poor, dry soil once established, which is part of this genus's appeal for a low-maintenance border.
Cut spent flowered stems right down to the base once flowering finishes, rather than just deadheading the flower tips — many species flower on two-year-old stems, so removing the whole flowered stem after blooming makes room for fresh replacement growth. Always wear gloves.
No feeding — these thrive on poor, sharply drained ground and a rich diet gives soft growth and a plant that splays open. A spring mulch is as far as it needs to go.
Basal cuttings in late spring, dipping the cut end in water to stop the milky sap bleeding before potting. Wear gloves and eye protection: the sap is a serious skin and eye irritant, which is the single most important thing to know about this genus.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchEnjoy the striking lime-green or yellow flower bracts through spring.
- JuneCut flowered stems right down to the base once flowering finishes, wearing gloves throughout. how ›
- SeptemberLeave the plant be through autumn; this genus needs very little routine care once established.
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchEnjoy the striking lime-green or yellow flower bracts through spring.
- JuneCut flowered stems right down to the base once flowering finishes, wearing gloves throughout. how ›
- SeptemberLeave the plant be through autumn; this genus needs very little routine care once established.
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryEnjoy the striking lime-green or yellow flower bracts through spring.
- MayCut flowered stems right down to the base once flowering finishes, wearing gloves throughout. how ›
- SeptemberLeave the plant be through autumn; this genus needs very little routine care once established.
Months based on climate: Central Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
- FebruaryEnjoy the striking lime-green or yellow flower bracts through spring.
- MayCut flowered stems right down to the base once flowering finishes, wearing gloves throughout. how ›
- OctoberLeave the plant be through autumn; this genus needs very little routine care once established.
Months based on climate: Southern Italy and islands. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Not a plant health problem, but an important handling note for this genus.
What to do. The milky white sap is a strong skin and eye irritant, and can cause a reaction worsened by sunlight on exposed skin — always wear gloves when pruning or handling, and take particular care to avoid any contact with eyes.
How to spot it. Not a pest or disease, but a common pruning mistake.
What to do. Many species flower on stems that took two years to develop — simply deadheading the flower tip wastes the chance to free up space for a fresh replacement stem from the base; cut the whole flowered stem down low instead.
How to spot it. Collapsing growth or a rotting crown, especially after a wet winter.
What to do. Most species in this group dislike sitting wet — improve drainage before replanting, or choose a raised position if the native soil is heavy.
Popular varieties
Questions
Spurge: is it hardy?
H4: Hardy through an average UK winter. It survives down to −10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Larger architectural species can be grown in a substantial container, though this group generally performs best and looks most natural planted in a border.
Spurge: when do you prune it?
Cut spent flowered stems right down to the base once flowering finishes, rather than just deadheading the flower tips — many species flower on two-year-old stems, so removing the whole flowered stem after blooming makes room for fresh replacement growth. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in June.
Spurge: when does it flower?
In the climate of UK it flowers in March–June.
When do you feed it?
No feeding — these thrive on poor, sharply drained ground and a rich diet gives soft growth and a plant that splays open. A spring mulch is as far as it needs to go.