Euphorbia sikkimensis (Sikkim spurge) — Clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub

Overview

Euphorbia sikkimensis 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 sikkimensis 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. It is native to Nepal to S China.

About

Euphorbia sikkimensis is a clump-forming perennial sub-shrub with narrow, often blue-grey (glaucous) leaves that can turn red-tinted in autumn. It produces its flowers from May to September. The species tolerates full sun to partial shade and includes woodland forms that will cope with dry shade. The milky sap is an irritant and the plant is harmful if eaten, so wear gloves and eye protection when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia sikkimensis

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

Euphorbia sikkimensis is a clump-forming, upright or spreading perennial from Nepal to S China. Leaves are narrow and frequently glaucous, sometimes developing a red tinge in autumn, and the plant flowers between May and September. Its natural range and habit indicate tolerance of exposed as well as sheltered sites. Plant it in light to moderately fertile loam, sand or chalk with good drainage; most plants dislike winter wet. It grows in acid, neutral or alkaline soils and favours full sun to partial shade. Woodland forms will tolerate dry shade, so the species can be used where some shade limits other sun-loving perennials. Consider aspect freely: any aspect and either exposed or sheltered positions suit this Euphorbia when drainage is adequate. In UK hardiness terms it falls in H4–H7, meaning average to fully hardy across most gardens. Handle with protective equipment: the sap can irritate skin and eyes and the plant is harmful if eaten; for pet-related contact numbers consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Use Sikkim Spurge on sunny borders with light soils or on drier woodland margins where it will offer glaucous foliage through the season and summer flowering from May to September.

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 sikkimensis 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
Native to: Nepal to S China
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 sikkimensis

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 sikkimensis?

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 sikkimensis?

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

What soil does Euphorbia sikkimensis need?

Euphorbia sikkimensis 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 sikkimensis?

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 sikkimensis hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia sikkimensis 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 sikkimensis?

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.

Is Euphorbia sikkimensis 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.

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