Overview
Euphorbia palustris 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 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Euphorbia palustris grows best in full sun, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, attractive to pollinators and drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe to Xinjiang.
About
Euphorbia palustris is a robust herbaceous perennial that can reach a height of up to 90 cm. Its upright stems bear narrow, vibrant green leaves that may transition to shades of yellow and orange during the fall. In late spring, this plant produces large clusters of greenish-yellow flowers at the tips of its stems.
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
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Euphorbia palustris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Bogs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to Xinjiang
- 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 palustris
- Cultivation
- Prefers permanently moist soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice
- Pruning
- Pruning group 6
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring. Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Euphorbia palustris?
Prefers permanently moist soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia palustris?
Euphorbia palustris prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia palustris need?
Euphorbia palustris 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 palustris?
Pruning group 6.
How big does Euphorbia palustris grow?
Euphorbia palustris reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Euphorbia palustris hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia palustris has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Euphorbia palustris?
Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring. Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding.
Is Euphorbia palustris good for pollinators?
Yes — Euphorbia palustris attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.
Is Euphorbia palustris 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.