Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress spurge) — Matforming

Overview

Euphorbia cyparissias is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous 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 cyparissias grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include borders, containers and rockeries.

About

Euphorbia cyparissias is a herbaceous perennial in the Euphorbiaceae that forms a mat and spreads to 1–1.5 metres. Its foliage is deciduous and plants reach 0.1–0.5 metres high, typically filling their eventual spread in 2–5 years. It flowers from May to September. It prefers full sun on chalk, loam or sand and is drought-resistant once established.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia cyparissias

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

Euphorbia cyparissias sits in the Euphorbiaceae as a low, mat-forming perennial that produces deciduous, linear leaves and a compact habit. Individual plants grow to 0.1–0.5 metres tall and commonly extend 1–1.5 metres across over two to five years; flowering occurs from May to September. The species is suited to open, sunny positions and tolerates periods of dry soil once it has established. Place plants in full sun on chalk, loam or sand where soil is moist but well drained or simply well drained; it copes with acid, neutral or alkaline pH. It is rated H5, so it will be hardy in most UK gardens, and will grow on south- or west-facing sites whether exposed or in sheltered spots. Keep soil free-draining to reduce the risk of winter saturation. Use Euphorbia cyparissias in mixed borders where a low ground cover is wanted, in containers for edging, or in rockeries. Space plants to allow their mat to develop without crowding neighbours. Plant individual specimens at least 1 metre apart to accommodate a 1–1.5 metre spread.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Euphorbia cyparissias size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Matforming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Borders, containers, rockeries

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia cyparissias

Propagation: Division, cuttings
Pest resistance: High
Disease resistance: High

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia cyparissias?

Euphorbia cyparissias prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia cyparissias need?

Euphorbia cyparissias 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.