More than 2000 species of Euphorbia range from annuals to trees. This makes it one of the world’s largest genera of flowering plants. An identifying characteristic is a milky latex in their stems.
Plants within this huge genus range from the red-leaf Christmas poinsettias (E. pulcherrima) to ones that look like the cacti seen in cowboy films! (E. candelabrum).
Plant Biography
BOTANICAL NAME
Euphorbia is the botanical name for euphorbia, placed in the family Euphorbiaceae.
The name is said to derive from Euphornus, the Greek surgeon. In 30 BC he used a species of Euphorbia to apparently cure King Juba II’s swollen belly. In fact, several different species have been used in traditional medicines to treat medical conditions like migraine, parasites and gonorrhoea.
COMMON NAME
The common name for euphorbia is spurge, derived from the French word espurgier, which means “to purge.” This is due to the historical use of Euphorbia latex as a purgative.
NATIVE TO
Many of the large number of Euphorbia species are native to Africa, Asia, Mexico Guatemala and Madagascar.
DESCRIPTION
Euphorbia plants vary from flat creeping herbs to shrubs and trees. Some are thorny succulents that look like cacti, but, unlike cacti, euphorbias have a milky sap.
What type of plant is it?
There are annuals, perennials, shrubs and succulent species of euphorbia.
What colours does Euphorbia come in?
Mainly green-leafed. Some have deep, burgundy-coloured leaves, and others are green with yellow variegations. Or all three as in Euphorbia ‘Ascot Rainbow’.
When do these plants flower?
Flowering time varies depending on the variety; most in this country flower mainly between spring and summer.
Where to grow Euphorbia
There is a varied range of growing conditions. Some prefer free-draining soil in full sun, and others moist or dry shade.
Where not to grow Euphorbia
Check the label for growing instructions. Those varieties saying full sun and free-draining soil won’t generally grow well in shade and heavy soil and vice versa.
Is this plant drought-tolerant?
Many varieties are drought tolerant. Those that like to grow in full sun and free-draining soil such as E. x pasteurii ‘John Phillips’.
How to grow Euphorbia successfully
Euphorbia grows well in full sun or light shade, mainly in nutrient-rich, free-draining soil that stays reliably moist. However, overly rich soil can cause tall, floppy growth.
They mostly do not require feeding or special care. Cut back flowering stems after blooms have faded. But wear gloves when handling euphorbia as their milky sap can irritate the skin and eyes.
Do they require supports?
Some might require support if growing in partial shade or in soil which is too fertile.
Is it good for pollinators?
Yes, euphorbia provide a lot of nectar and pollen for pollinators when in flower.
Is it good for wildlife?
Euphorbia have nectar and pollen-rich flowers, a great food source for bees and other pollinating insects.
How to choose the right variety for your garden
Remember that most euphorbia require free-draining soil in a sunny position, but double-check the label when buying.
How big will it get
There is a vast variation in height and spread between the many different species. These range from a few centimetres to up to two metres.
How to plant Euphorbia
Water the plant well before planting. Tease out the roots and plant at the same level as it was in its pot. Firm the soil around the plant and water well at the base of the soil.
How to care for Euphorbia
Euphorbia require very little care and attention other than removing spent flower heads and stems.
Mulching around the base of the plant when the soil is moist during the autumn might be of use. Particularly if weeds growing around the base of the plant are an issue.
Do they spread?
Yes, some species spread by underground runners or rhizomes, for example, low-growing E. cyparrisus and taller E. griffithii.
How to keep it looking good
Most euphorbia prefer to grow in full sun in this country. The best way to keep them looking good is to give them the right growing conditions. Full sun and avoiding overwatering are key. Prune after flowering.
Does Euphorbia need deadheading?
Deadheading or thinning spent flowering stems can encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Does it need pruning, and when should they be pruned?
Deciduous euphorbia should be cut down to the ground in autumn.
Some evergreen species, such as E. charcacias, have biennial stems, which should be removed after flowering. Others just need faded flower heads cut back after flowering.
How to propagate these plants
Propagate euphorbia by taking cuttings in spring. Make sure you wear gloves to protect yourself from the sap.
What problems can Euphorbia have?
Euphorbia do not suffer from any particular pests or diseases. You may find that growth with some varieties is floppy and tall if the soil conditions are too rich.
Varieties of Euphorbia to have
For a plant to grow well in poor, dry soil in shade, such as under a tree, E. amygdaloides var. robbiae is a great choice. Evergreen with dark green leaves, it produces lime-green flowers between spring and early summer.
A compact evergreen cultivar that is good for containers is E. ‘Whistleberry Garnet.’ Its leaves and stems are flushed red, and the flowers are yellow-green with a bright red ‘eye.’ Prefers a sunny position and free-draining soil/compost.
A good low-growing ground cover cultivar is E. ‘Fens Ruby.’ It forms a carpet of dark purple leaves topped with lime-green, yellow flowers in late spring. This plant is ideal for gravel gardens.
E. griffithii ‘Dixter’ is a good choice for a border. It produces striking orange-red flowers in late spring and grows to a height of approximately 1 metre.
Reasonably low-growing succulents, silver-leaved varieties such as E. myrsinites are an excellent choice for a coastal garden or sunny rockery.
Best time of year to buy this plant
Any time between spring and early summer is the best time to buy euphorbia. This is when the soil is beginning to warm up to give their roots plenty of time to establish before the onset of colder, wet winter weather.
The best garden design style for this plant
The many varied species of euphorbia mean that there is probably a suitable one for most garden design styles. They work well with other plants and are a great attractant for pollinating insects when in flower.
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David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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