About

A tall, upright, evergreen, sub-shrub to about 170cm in height and spread with slightly bluish foliage. The main flowering period is mid-summer to mid-autumn, but it can produce its yellow-green flowers more or less year round in mild conditions.

About the genus

Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toSicily, S. Italy
ToxicityHumans/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

CultivationGrow in well-drained, light soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice
PruningCut back flowered stems as they fade
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root and stem rots in wet conditions