Euphorbia virosa — Matforming

Overview

Euphorbia virosa is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Euphorbia, part of the Euphorbiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Euphorbia virosa 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 virosa, the Gifboom or poison tree, is a plant of the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. It has a short main stem, usually twisted, from which 5–10 cm branches emerge. These leafless branches have 5 to 8 edges. Paired thorns grow in regularly spaced intervals from the edges. In the wild it grows across Africa, Angola, Cape Provinces, Namibia, ZA and other regions. 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. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia virosa

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 virosa 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 virosa

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 virosa?

Euphorbia virosa prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Euphorbia virosa need?

Euphorbia virosa 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.