Overview
Euphorbia ammak is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Euphorbia ammak grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Euphorbia ammak, commonly known as giant milk bush, African candelabra and candelabra spurge, is a species of plant in the family Euphorbiaceae native to the Arabian Peninsula. As most other succulent members of the genus Euphorbia, its trade is regulated under Appendix II of CITES. In 1998, the plant was assessed for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and was listed as Vulnerable. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include coastal, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia ammak
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Euphorbia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Euphorbia ammak size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Euphorbia ammak
- Propagation
- Propagation is by division in early spring or propagate by seed in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia ammak?
Euphorbia ammak prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia ammak need?
Euphorbia ammak is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Euphorbia ammak hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia ammak has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Euphorbia ammak?
Propagation is by division in early spring or propagate by seed in autumn or spring.
More in the Euphorbia genus
- Euphorbia atropurpurea

- Euphorbia balsamifera

- Euphorbia bupleurifolia

- Euphorbia burmannii

- Euphorbia canariensis

- Euphorbia candelabrum
- Euphorbia ceratocarpahorned spurge
- Euphorbia cornigerahorned spurge