Overview
Euphorbia tirucalli is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Euphorbia tirucalli grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as Indian tree spurge or finger tree, is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the Euphorbia genus, part of the Euphorbiaceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and suits south- or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It grows well in a range of soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, with pH levels from acid to alkaline, preferring moist but well-drained to well-drained soils. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for coastal, city, courtyard, cottage, informal, and wildlife gardens, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is by division in early spring or by seed in autumn or spring.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Euphorbia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Euphorbia tirucalli size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Euphorbia tirucalli
- Propagation
- Propagation is by division in early spring or propagate by seed in autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Euphorbia tirucalli?
Euphorbia tirucalli prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia tirucalli need?
Euphorbia tirucalli is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Euphorbia tirucalli hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia tirucalli has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Euphorbia tirucalli?
Propagation is by division in early spring or propagate by seed in autumn or spring.
More in the Euphorbia genus
- Euphorbia altissimatall spurge
- Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Brithembottom'Wood Spurge
- Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'Golden Balls'Mediterranean spurge
- Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'John Tomlinson'Mediterranean Spurge
- Euphorbia eritrea
- Euphorbia hybernaIrish spurge
- Euphorbia nicicianaSpurge
- Euphorbia pilosahairy spurge
