Overview
Euphorbia mauritanica is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Euphorbia mauritanica 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 mauritanica, commonly known as pencil milk bush, is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the Euphorbia genus, which includes a variety of plants with milky sap and small flowers surrounded by colourful bracts. This deciduous species thrives in full sun and can be grown in exposed or sheltered locations with fertile, well-drained soil such as chalk, loam, or sand. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for coastal, city, courtyard, cottage, informal, and wildlife gardens. It is best planted out after the last frost and can be propagated by division in early spring or by seed in autumn or spring.
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 mauritanica 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 mauritanica
- 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 mauritanica?
Euphorbia mauritanica prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia mauritanica need?
Euphorbia mauritanica 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.
Is Euphorbia mauritanica hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia mauritanica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Euphorbia mauritanica?
Propagation is by division in early spring or propagate by seed in autumn or spring.
More in the Euphorbia genus
- Euphorbia ammak
- Euphorbia atropurpurea
- Euphorbia balsamifera
- Euphorbia bupleurifolia
- Euphorbia burmannii
- Euphorbia canariensis
- Euphorbia candelabrum
- Euphorbia ceratocarpahorned spurge
