Euphorbia myrsinites (Myrtle spurge) — Trailing

Overview

Euphorbia myrsinites is a trailing alpine rockery in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Up to 10 cm tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Euphorbia myrsinites grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, flower borders and beds and wildlife gardens. It is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

About

Euphorbia myrsinites, commonly known as broad-leaved glaucous spurge, is a trailing evergreen herbaceous perennial from the diverse Euphorbia genus. It grows up to 10 cm tall with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height in 2 to 5 years. This alpine rockery plant thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types and pH levels, provided the soil is well-drained. It is drought resistant and offers winter interest, making it suitable for a range of garden aspects and exposures.

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

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: North-facing, West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Euphorbia myrsinites size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Alpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Trailing
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: Up to 10 cm
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Flower borders and beds, Wildlife gardens
Native to: Eastern Europe and Western Asia
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested; sap can cause skin irritation.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia myrsinites

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring; trim back after flowering to maintain shape.
Propagation: Seed, Division, Offsets
Pest resistance: Aphids, Mealybugs
Disease resistance: Grey moulds

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Euphorbia myrsinites?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia myrsinites?

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

What soil does Euphorbia myrsinites need?

Euphorbia myrsinites 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.