Overview

Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Variegata' is a clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous; narrow, often blue-grey or glaucous, sometimes red-tinted in autumn foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 metres tall. Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Variegata' grows best in full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade, and tolerates light to moderately fertile loam and sand or chalk soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7. Suggested uses include groundcover, woodland gardens and borders. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Variegata' is a clump-forming perennial spurge with narrow, often blue‑grey leaves and an upright to spreading sub‑shrub habit reaching about 0.8 metres. It produces green‑yellow cyathia from May to September. The plant tolerates full sun through partial shade and will cope with the dry shade found beneath trees. Take care when handling, as the milky sap is an irritant.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia amygdaloides

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

In the garden

A clump-forming member of the Euphorbiaceae, Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Variegata' is native to regions of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Its narrow leaves tend toward a blue‑grey, sometimes gaining a red tinge in autumn, while the distinctive green‑yellow flower heads appear between May and September. Plants grow to roughly 0.8 metres and form an upright or spreading sub‑shrub that holds foliage through much of the year. Grow this wood spurge in light to moderately fertile loam, sand or chalk with good drainage; it dislikes winter wet. pH is not critical, tolerating acid, neutral or alkaline soils. Position it in full sun to partial shade — it is one of the Euphorbias that will tolerate dry shade in a woodland situation — and it handles exposed or sheltered sites. In UK hardiness terms it ranges from average to fully hardy (H4–H7). Use Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Variegata' as ground cover beneath trees, in woodland borders or at the front of mixed beds where its low, spreading habit will weave through perennials. Be mindful of the sap: wear gloves when cutting back or dividing plants because the latex can irritate skin.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade

Soil type

Light to moderately fertile loam, sand or chalk

Soil pH

Acid, neutral or alkaline

Soil moisture

Well drained; most dislike winter wet

Aspect

Any

Exposure

Exposed or sheltered

UK hardiness

H4-H7

Plant details

Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub

Foliage

Evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous; narrow, often blue-grey or glaucous, sometimes red-tinted in autumn

Height

0.8 metres

Suggested uses

Groundcover, Woodland gardens, Borders

Native to

Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Toxicity

Irritant sap

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Variegata'

Cultivation

Easy and largely self-sufficient given drainage. The milky sap is a genuine irritant to skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when cutting back and never handle the plant in strong sun. Most flower on stems produced the previous year, which makes correct timing of the cut essential. The spreading species can be invasive in loose soil, so site them accordingly.

Pruning

On the shrubby evergreen kinds, cut flowered stems right to the base once the bracts fade in summer, leaving this season's new shoots to flower next year. Cut herbaceous species down in late autumn.

Propagation

Divide herbaceous kinds in spring. Take basal cuttings of shrubby species in spring and rinse the cut end to stop the latex sealing it. Many self-seed freely.

Pest resistance

Rarely troubled by pests; aphids occasionally gather on soft new growth.

Disease resistance

Generally healthy. Euphorbia rust causes orange spotting and distorted shoots on some species and affected growth should be removed.

Frequently asked questions

More in the Euphorbia genus

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