About

A compact, evergreen perennial, typically up to 70cm tall, with red-flushed leaves and stems, and yellow-green flowers with a bright red eye in spring.

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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
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. Has the potential to become a nuisance but is fairly easy to control. See Euphorbia for further advice
PruningCut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or by basal 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 stem and root rots in wet conditions