Overview
Euphorbia tithymaloides is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Euphorbia tithymaloides 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 tithymaloides is a perennial succulent spurge native to the tropical and subtropical areas of North America and Central America. An erect shrub, the plant is also known by the scientific name Pedilanthus tithymaloides. However, the genus Pedilanthus has been subsumed into the genus Euphorbia, and is more correctly known by its new name (Euphorbia tithymaloides). Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). It works well for coastal, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia tithymaloides
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 tithymaloides 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 tithymaloides
- 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 tithymaloides?
Euphorbia tithymaloides prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Euphorbia tithymaloides need?
Euphorbia tithymaloides 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 tithymaloides hardy in the UK?
Euphorbia tithymaloides 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 tithymaloides?
Propagation is by division in early spring or propagate by seed in autumn or spring.
More in the Euphorbia genus
- Euphorbia ammak
- Euphorbia atropurpurea
- Euphorbia balsamifera
- Euphorbia bupleurifolia
- Euphorbia burmannii
- Euphorbia canariensis
- Euphorbia candelabrum
- Euphorbia ceratocarpahorned spurge
