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 H6. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, attractive to pollinators and low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Turkey.
About
This evergreen perennial typically reaches a height of up to 50 cm and develops colonies of rosettes made up of elongated, dark green leaves. From these leaves, large clusters of yellow-green flowers emerge, creating a distinctive floral display.
About the genus
Euphorbia encompasses a diverse range of plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and succulents. These species are characterized by their milky sap and small flowers that are surrounded by cupped bracts, which are frequently colorful.
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
- H6
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
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Turkey
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae
- Cultivation
- An easy-to-grow plant that will cope with most conditions even dry shade. It spreads by rhizomes and has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See Euphorbia for further advice
- Pruning
- Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae?
An easy-to-grow plant that will cope with most conditions even dry shade. It spreads by rhizomes and has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See Euphorbia for further advice.
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 flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae?
Propagate by division in spring.
Is Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae good for pollinators?
Yes — Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae toxic?
Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.