Spurge
Euphorbia species (EUPHORBIACEAE)
Planting and Growing Spurge
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow spurge in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers, foliage, fruit, and seeds of spurge
- Growing conditions for spurge
- When and where to plant spurge
- How to plant spurge
- How to shape, prune and control growth of spurge
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of spurge
- Landscape uses of spurge
- Pest and disease control for spurge
- Health and safety warnings for spurge
Growing Spurge
Over 1,600 varied species of semi-evergreen shrubs and small trees, 4–10 ft. (1.2–3 m) tall and wide, including many species with fast- to medium-growing, mounding, or bushy habits.
Textured, bright to deep green, often variegated, oval, pointed or rounded leaves, 1–6 in. (25–150 mm) long, turning deep red in autumn.
See also Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, a closely related species.
Spurge Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Mostly showy, cream, white, yellow flowers in spring, in clusters at the ends of branches, form capsulelike fruit with seed in summer.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones vary by species. Hardy or semi-hardy.
Soil Type and Fertility
Moist to damp, well-drained soil. Fertility: Average–low. 6.0–7.0 pH. Salt tolerant.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun to partial shade. Space 1–5 ft. (30–150 cm) apart, depending on species.
Proper Care
Easy. Keep damp until established; allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Fertilize annually in spring. Avoid crowding. Propagate by cuttings, division, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, borders, containers in formal, seaside, small-space gardens. Avoid planting near water features containing fish. Pest and disease resistant.
Warning:
Sap of Euphorbia species causes skin irritation in sensitive individuals, digestive upset if eaten. Avoid planting in areas frequented by pets and children.