Euphorbia eritrea — Herbaceous perennial, Shrub, Succulent, Tree

Overview

Euphorbia eritrea is a plant with a herbaceous perennial, shrub, succulent, tree habit in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous, evergreen foliage. Euphorbia eritrea grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3, H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include borders, containers, gravel gardens, dry shade and hot borders.

About

Euphorbia eritrea is a member of the Euphorbiaceae that can present as an herbaceous perennial, a succulent shrub or a small tree, reflecting a broad habit range. Foliage may be deciduous or evergreen depending on form and conditions. It favours full sun and well-drained soils such as chalk, sand or loam across a wide pH range. Flowers are produced from May to September.

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 eritrea belongs to the spurge family and shows a wide range of growth forms from herbaceous perennial to succulent shrub or small tree, with plants retaining leaves as evergreen or dropping them as deciduous forms. Its adaptability to different habits means individual specimens may look very different depending on their age and growing conditions. Place Euphorbia eritrea in full sun where soils drain freely; it will accept chalk, clay, loam or sand and tolerates acid to alkaline pH so long as moisture does not linger. It suits south- and west-facing positions and will tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites. Rated H3–H7 (borderline to fully hardy), it will survive across most UK gardens but may need winter protection or container-grown shelter in the coldest, exposed locations. Use it in borders, containers, gravel gardens, dry shade spots and hot borders where a sun-facing site and gritty or free-draining soil are available. Its flowering season runs from May to September, giving a prolonged period of seasonal interest in summer plantings and containers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3, H4, H5, H6, H7

Plant details

Euphorbia eritrea size, habit and characteristics

Habit: Herbaceous perennial, Shrub, Succulent, Tree
Foliage: Deciduous, Evergreen
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers, Gravel gardens, Dry shade, Hot borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia eritrea

Propagation: Seed, Cuttings, Division
Pest resistance: Generally pest-resistant
Disease resistance: Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia eritrea?

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

What soil does Euphorbia eritrea need?

Euphorbia eritrea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Euphorbia eritrea hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia eritrea has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Euphorbia eritrea?

Seed, Cuttings, Division.

More in the Euphorbia genus

Browse all Euphorbia →