Euphorbia, commonly known as spurge, are easy-to-grow, drought-tolerant perennials that are excellent in a container or border. Different varieties encompass a wide range of sizes, and the brightly coloured foliage in shades of acid yellow, green and orange suits any palette. Euphorbias work well with other plants in the garden and provide a lot of nectar for pollinators.
View our collection of plantsEuphorbia Varieties
Euphorbia characias ‘Black Pearl’
The intricate detailing of this variety of Euphorbia is what makes it such a focal point in the garden. Its name, ‘Black Pearl’ is a nod to the black nectar glands that can be seen upon the lime green flowers throughout the spring and summer.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy throughout most of the UK |
| Size | Grows to approx. 1m x 1m |
Euphorbia characias ‘Silver Swan’
A great Euphorbia for its striking foliage, Silver Swan has variegated leaves with white borders and a blue-green centre. They prefer a sheltered spot and would look beautiful when planted in a courtyard garden, mixed border or large patio container.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy throughout most of the UK |
| Size | Grows to approx. 1m x 1.5m |
Euphorbia martini ‘Ascot Rainbow’
A fantastic and vibrant variety of Euphorbia, ‘Ascot Rainbow’ really lets its foliage do the talking. The green-gold variegated leaves turn pink during the winter for a vivid and attractive impact on the February garden. Large flowerheads bearing many green bracts with red flowers are produced from March to July.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy throughout most of the UK |
| Size | Grows to approx. 1.5m x 1m |
Euphorbia martini ‘Baby Charm’
Ideal for a Mediterranean-style garden, Euphorbia martini ‘Baby Charm’ features lime green, oval-shaped flowers that have a deep red mark in the centre. The leaves begin as green-coloured spears but will mature into a darker shade.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy throughout most of the UK |
| Size | Grows to approx. 1m x 1m |
Euphorbia ‘Efanthia’
‘Efanthia’ is an interesting Euphorbia variety, featuring clusters of delicate flowers during the spring and summer. The foliage is a combination of colours, transitioning from red to blue-green leaves upon a red stem. The attractive evergreen foliage sets a backdrop for the acid yellow-green flowers and make it ideal for planting in beds and borders.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun/partial shade |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | Grows to approx. 0.5m x 0.5m |
Find out more about Euphorbia ‘Efanthia’ here.
Euphorbia polychroma
Also known as Cushion Spurge, Euphorbia polychrome is a drought-tolerant, rounded variety with bunches of bright lime-green flowers and darker green leaves. They are wonderfully low-maintenance and look great as cut flowers, or when planted in the front of a border or gravel garden.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun/partial shade |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | Grows to approx. 0.5m x 1m |
Euphorbia polychroma ‘Bonfire’
With an abundance of fiery colours, ‘Bonfire’ is a brilliant variety of Euphorbia that looks great in container plantings. With foliage of green, purple, and red as well as vibrant yellow springtime flowers, it’s an excellent talking point in the garden.
| Flowering time | Spring |
| Sun requirements | Full sun/partial shade |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Size | Grows to approx. 0.5m x 1m |
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii
Grey-silver foliage works as a great backdrop for the bright green-yellow flowers of the Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii. This medium-sized shrub is ideal for architectural and Mediterranean gardens.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy throughout most of the UK |
| Size | Grows to approx. 1.5m x 1.5m |
Euphorbia characias ‘Silver Edge’
With a stunning array of green, silver-grey, and white foliage that produces a mass of yellow-cream flowers in the spring, turning yellow-green in the summer. ‘Silver Edge’ will not only add interest to a gravel garden but also make great features for wildlife gardens too.
| Flowering time | Spring – summer |
| Sun requirements | Full sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy throughout most of the UK |
| Size | Grows to approx. 1m x 1m |
Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii ‘Shorty’
The versatile Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii ‘Shorty’ is a brilliant addition to city and cottage style gardens, whether planted in borders, beds, or containers. It has spear-shaped grey-green leaves and clusters of vibrant yellow flowers.
| Flowering time | Spring |
| Sun requirements | Full sun |
| Hardiness | Hardy throughout most of the UK |
| Size | Grows to approx. 1m x 1m |
Euphorbia Growing Guide
Planting
They prefer to be planted when the temperature is slightly higher, usually during the spring months, as this will aid in the plant’s establishment.
They are relatively easy to plant; dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball before positioning your plant, then refill with a mixture of soil and compost.
Watering
Water well during their first two seasons after planting, especially if there hasn’t been a lot of rain. If you have planted your Euphorbia in a container, water well from spring through autumn to maintain moist compost.
Pruning
Remove faded flowers when necessary and cut back any brown or dead stems during the winter to keep the arrangement neat.
Planting Ideas
If you want to include Euphorbia in a Mediterranean garden, it works well with the vibrant hues of Lavandula angustifolia, Crocosmia, and Alliums.
Euphorbia will also work well in a low-maintenance, succulent garden, complementing Sedum, and Agave.
For a beautiful winter border, combine with Hellebores, Cornus, and Cyclamen for a brilliant burst of seasonal colour.
Important to note! The sap of Euphorbia can cause skin irritation so be sure to wear gloves when planting or pruning.
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