Overview
Euphorbia cornigera is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Euphorbia cornigera grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, attractive to pollinators, drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and coastal. It is native to N Pakistan to Himalaya.
About
Euphorbia cornigera is a perennial plant that can reach up to 75 cm tall. It features reddish stems that support elongated, dark green leaves with a lighter midrib. In summer, it produces clusters of vibrant yellow flowerheads.
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 sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Euphorbia cornigera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal
- Native to
- N Pakistan to Himalaya
- 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 cornigera
- Cultivation
- Grow in any normal garden soil that is moist but well-drained either in sun or in partial shade. See Euphorbia for further advice
- Pruning
- Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame either when ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia cornigera?
Grow in any normal garden soil that is moist but well-drained either in sun or in partial shade. See Euphorbia for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia cornigera?
Euphorbia cornigera prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia cornigera need?
Euphorbia cornigera 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.
How do I prune Euphorbia cornigera?
Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn.
How big does Euphorbia cornigera grow?
Euphorbia cornigera reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Euphorbia cornigera hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia cornigera has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Euphorbia cornigera?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame either when ripe or in spring. Propagate by division in early spring.
Is Euphorbia cornigera good for pollinators?
Yes — Euphorbia cornigera attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Euphorbia cornigera 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.