Euphorbia mammillaris (corn cob) — Matforming

Overview

Euphorbia mammillaris is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Euphorbia mammillaris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.

About

Euphorbia mammillaris (often mis-spelled Euphorbia mamillaris) is a plant species endemic to Cape Province of South Africa. Euphorbia mammillaris, also known as African or Indian corn-cob, is a fast-growing shrublet, with thick stems that are chalky green, erect and ribbed. Each stem can have from seven to seventeen ribs of thick, hexagonal tubercles growing next to each other vertically, which resembles the look of a corn-cob. The pseudo-spines are pinkish white, thick and pointy, almost like blunt toothpicks, only up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long and scattered around the top of the plants. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for coastal, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia mammillaris

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: H7

Plant details

Euphorbia mammillaris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Matforming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia mammillaris

Propagation: Propagation is by division in early spring or propagate by seed in autumn or spring
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: May be susceptible to a rust

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia mammillaris?

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

What soil does Euphorbia mammillaris need?

Euphorbia mammillaris 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.