Overview
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae is a suckering herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include borders, containers, gravel gardens, dry shade and hot borders. It is native to Europe.
About
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, commonly known as Mrs Robb's bonnet, is a suckering, evergreen herbaceous perennial belonging to the diverse Euphorbia genus in the Euphorbiaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres with a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This low-maintenance plant thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils across a range of pH levels. It is notable for its interest during the winter season.
About the genus
Euphorbia is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants, commonly called spurge, in the family Euphorbiaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Euphorbia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Euphorbia
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers, Gravel gardens, Dry shade, Hot borders
- Native to
- Europe
- Toxicity
- Contains a milky sap that can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae
- Cultivation
- Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade. It is drought tolerant once established and benefits from removal of old flower stems to encourage fresh growth.
- Pruning
- Cut back old flower stems after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae?
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade. It is drought tolerant once established and benefits from removal of old flower stems to encourage fresh growth.
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae?
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae need?
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae 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.
How do I prune Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae?
Cut back old flower stems after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage new growth.
How big does Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae grow?
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae?
Seed, Cuttings.
Is Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae toxic?
Contains a milky sap that can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested.
More in the Euphorbia genus
- Euphorbia altissimatall spurge
- Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Brithembottom'Wood Spurge
- Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'Golden Balls'Mediterranean spurge
- Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson'Mediterranean Spurge
- Euphorbia eritrea
- Euphorbia hybernaIrish spurge
- Euphorbia nicicianaSpurge
- Euphorbia pilosahairy spurge
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