About
A compact, evergreen shrub with lax upright stems, bearing rosettes of narrowly ovate, waxy vivid green leaves with yellow midribs and pale undersides. Large clusters of pale yellowish-green, honey-scented, flowers top the stems in late spring and early summer, followed by green, knobbly, pea-sized fruit. Lower leaves turn bright red in autumn.
About the genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
ToxicityHumans/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
CultivationGrow in well-drained, light soil in full sun. In colder areas, this plant will require winter protection, or grow in a container and overwinter in a cool greenhouse. See Euphorbia for further advice
PruningPruning group 6
PropagationPropagate by seed, or take basal softwood cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds