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 H5. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, attractive to pollinators and drought resistant. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, mediterranean climate plants and wildlife gardens. It is native to S Europe and Asia Minor.
About
Euphorbia myrsinites is a perennial plant that retains its foliage year-round, featuring trailing stems that can reach lengths of up to 35 cm. Its leaves are somewhat succulent and display a vivid glaucous green coloration. The plant produces yellow-green flowers arranged in clusters at the tops of the stems, measuring around 10 cm across.
About the genus
Euphorbia encompasses a diverse range of plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and succulents. These species are characterized by their milky sap and small flowers that are surrounded by cupped bracts, which are frequently colorful.
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
- H5
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
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- S Europe, Asia Minor
- Toxicity
- Humans/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
Pruning and caring for Euphorbia myrsinites
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia myrsinites?
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice.
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.
How do I prune Euphorbia myrsinites?
No pruning required.
How big does Euphorbia myrsinites grow?
Euphorbia myrsinites reaches a height of Up to 10 cm and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Euphorbia myrsinites hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia myrsinites has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Euphorbia myrsinites?
Propagate by seed or division.
Is Euphorbia myrsinites good for pollinators?
Yes — Euphorbia myrsinites attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Euphorbia myrsinites toxic?
Humans/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.