Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana (Spurge) — Clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub

Overview

Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana is a clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous; narrow, often blue-grey or glaucous, sometimes red-tinted in autumn foliage. Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana grows best in full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade, and tolerates light to moderately fertile loam and sand or chalk soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4-H7.

About

Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana is a clump-forming perennial spurge with narrow, often glaucous leaves that may take a red tint in autumn. It grows as an upright or spreading sub-shrub and flowers from May to September. Suited to light, well-drained soils, it tolerates full sun to partial shade and the woodland forms will cope with dry shade. Most plants prefer to avoid winter wet.

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

In the garden

A perennial member of the Euphorbia genus (family Euphorbiaceae), Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana forms clumps of narrow, often blue-grey (glaucous) foliage and produces its flowering display from May to September. The foliage can be evergreen to semi-evergreen or deciduous depending on site and may develop red tones in autumn. Grow it in full sun to partial shade; woodland forms will tolerate dry shade. It prefers light to moderately fertile loam, sand or chalk soils across a range of pH (acid to alkaline), but requires good drainage — most plants dislike winter wet. Aspect is not critical and it will handle either exposed or sheltered positions. Hardiness H4–H7 (average to fully hardy) means it will survive winter conditions across most UK regions when planted in a free-draining spot. Use Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana where narrow, glaucous foliage and extended flowering are wanted: gravelly or sandy soils, chalk banks, and mixed borders on well-drained sites. Allow space for a spreading habit and note the seasonality of the leaves: the blue-grey tones often deepen and take a red tint into autumn.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Euphorbia

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade
Soil type: Light to moderately fertile loam, sand or chalk
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Well drained; most dislike winter wet
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H4-H7

Plant details

Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub
Foliage: Evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous; narrow, often blue-grey or glaucous, sometimes red-tinted in autumn

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana

Cultivation: Easy and largely self-sufficient given drainage. The milky sap is a genuine irritant to skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when cutting back and never handle the plant in strong sun. Most flower on stems produced the previous year, which makes correct timing of the cut essential. The spreading species can be invasive in loose soil, so site them accordingly.
Pruning: On the shrubby evergreen kinds, cut flowered stems right to the base once the bracts fade in summer, leaving this season's new shoots to flower next year. Cut herbaceous species down in late autumn.
Propagation: Divide herbaceous kinds in spring. Take basal cuttings of shrubby species in spring and rinse the cut end to stop the latex sealing it. Many self-seed freely.
Pest resistance: Rarely troubled by pests; aphids occasionally gather on soft new growth.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Euphorbia rust causes orange spotting and distorted shoots on some species and affected growth should be removed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana?

Easy and largely self-sufficient given drainage. The milky sap is a genuine irritant to skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when cutting back and never handle the plant in strong sun. Most flower on stems produced the previous year, which makes correct timing of the cut essential. The spreading species can be invasive in loose soil, so site them accordingly.

Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana?

Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana prefers full sun to partial shade; the woodland species tolerate dry shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana need?

Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana grows best in light to moderately fertile loam and sand or chalk soil. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays well drained; most dislike winter wet.

How do I prune Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana?

On the shrubby evergreen kinds, cut flowered stems right to the base once the bracts fade in summer, leaving this season's new shoots to flower next year. Cut herbaceous species down in late autumn.

Is Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Euphorbia seguierana subsp. niciciana?

Divide herbaceous kinds in spring. Take basal cuttings of shrubby species in spring and rinse the cut end to stop the latex sealing it. Many self-seed freely.

More in the Euphorbia genus

Browse all Euphorbia →