Euphorbia wallichii (Wallich spurge) — Clump-forming, upright or spreading sub-shrub

Overview

Euphorbia wallichii 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 wallichii 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. Suggested uses include mixed borders, woodland gardens and rockeries. It is native to Asia.

About

Euphorbia wallichii is a clump-forming perennial sub-shrub with narrow, often blue-grey or glaucous leaves. It grows upright or spreading and may be evergreen, semi‑evergreen or deciduous depending on site. Flowering occurs from May to September. Handle with care: the sap is an irritant to skin and eyes and can be harmful if eaten, so wear gloves when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Euphorbia wallichii

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 wallichii is a perennial in the Euphorbiaceae, native to Asia, that forms upright or spreading clumps. The foliage is characteristically narrow and often blue‑grey or glaucous, sometimes flushing red in autumn, and flowering runs from May to September. Its habit is sub‑shrubby rather than herbaceous. Site it in full sun to partial shade; woodland forms will tolerate dry shade. It prefers light to moderately fertile soils such as loam, sand or chalk and accepts acid, neutral or alkaline pH. Good drainage is important — most plants dislike winter wet — and the species tolerates exposed or sheltered positions and any aspect around the garden. UK hardiness is rated H4–H7, which equates to average to fully hardy in British conditions. Euphorbia wallichii suits well‑drained sunny borders, mixed gravel areas on light soils, or drier positions at the edge of shady beds where its foliage contrasts with green leaves. Take care when pruning or dividing: the milky sap irritates skin and eyes and is harmful if ingested, so use gloves and eye protection and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further pet-related contacts.

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 wallichii 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
Suggested uses: Mixed borders, Woodland gardens, Rockeries
Native to: Asia
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 wallichii

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 wallichii?

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 wallichii?

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

What soil does Euphorbia wallichii need?

Euphorbia wallichii 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 wallichii?

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 wallichii hardy in the UK?

Euphorbia wallichii 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 wallichii?

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 wallichii 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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