Overview
Euphorbia oblongata is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Euphorbia oblongata grows best in partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators and drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Balkan Pen., Aegean Islands and NW Turkey.
About
Euphorbia oblongata is a compact, herbaceous perennial often treated as an annual due to its short lifespan. Its stems are adorned with dark green leaves measuring up to 5 cm in length and 2 cm in width. From spring through autumn, it produces flat clusters of chartreuse-yellow floral bracts that span approximately 15 cm in diameter.
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
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Euphorbia oblongata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Balkan Pen., Aegean Islands, NW Turkey
- 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 oblongata
- Cultivation
- Best grown in moist, humus-rich, but well-drained soil in light dappled shade with sun for part of the day. Great for flower arranging. Self-sows so may have the potential to become a nuisance if not well managed. See Euphorbia for further advice
- Pruning
- Cut back flowered shoots to base or collect stems for flower-arranging as needed
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe or sow directly in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia oblongata?
Best grown in moist, humus-rich, but well-drained soil in light dappled shade with sun for part of the day. Great for flower arranging. Self-sows so may have the potential to become a nuisance if not well managed. See Euphorbia for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia oblongata?
Euphorbia oblongata prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia oblongata need?
Euphorbia oblongata grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Euphorbia oblongata?
Cut back flowered shoots to base or collect stems for flower-arranging as needed.
How big does Euphorbia oblongata grow?
Euphorbia oblongata reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Euphorbia oblongata hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia oblongata has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Euphorbia oblongata?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe or sow directly in spring.
Is Euphorbia oblongata good for pollinators?
Yes — Euphorbia oblongata attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Euphorbia oblongata 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.