About
An upright biennial, to 1.2m in height, with narrow, lance-shaped dark-green leaves to 15cm long, held in regimented horizontal pairs on unbranched stems. Small yellow-green flowers to 4mm in diameter, are borne from late spring into summer and are followed by caper-like, green seeds held in clusters of three, ripening to brown.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toCentral Asia to Pakistan
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
CultivationPrefers a well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate moist soils and shady conditions. Readily self-seeds so may have the potential to become a nuisance; remove flowers as they fade to limit spread. See Euphorbia for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free