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A gardener’s first tendency when you mention Euphorbias might evoke visions of Poinsettias, Crown of Thorns or an old favorite, Cushion Spurge. The family of Euphorbias I'm passionate about is commonly known as 'Shrubby Spurges'. With recent developments in breeding efforts, these plants have attained new heights and all I can say is WOW! The new palette of colors and textures now available offers enticing selections to lure you in…and I’m hooked!
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Shrubby Spurges are members of the vast family of Euphorbiaceae and received their common name from the fact that their poisonous sap was once used for its purgative qualities. The milky, white sap that bleeds from the plant when the stems are cut or wounded may cause a serious rash for those with sensitive skin or latex allergies, so always use caution when handling these plants.
These Spurges are outstanding choices for the landscape. Their only requirement is excellent drainage. They even tolerate dry, poor soils. Light requirements vary, most will perform admirably in full sun or partial shade. There are a few Euphorbias (e.g. Wood Spurge, E. amygdaloides) which actually prefer deep shade and create excellent groundcovers. Little, if any, maintenance is necessary with Euphorbias. If the plants become 'leggy', a hard pruning (cutting to within 3"-6" of the ground) will result in a much denser, tightly branched, symmetrical plant and can be done any time of the year.
We’ve had several hardy Euphorbias in our gardens over the years and I've always been fond of those with a 'shrubby' form and especially impressed with their vigorous habit. New cultivars now provide more choices for our gardens and I am rapidly developing an uncontrollable desire to plant more!
A recent expansion in one of our gardens was pleading for plants that could quickly fill this area. I was anxious to create a border that would give an immediate impression of a mature, well-established planting. Okay, so I'm not the most patient gardener! I was also looking for plants with evergreen foliage to provide some interest in the garden over the long winter. Not too much to ask for, right?
After a vigilant search to locate plants that might meet my high expectations, Euphorbias seemed a perfect solution! Late last fall, I dedicated an area for them and commenced planting.
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I wasn't disappointed; by late spring I was rewarded with a stunning display of handsome foliage.
The arrival of their unique floral display of peculiar 'blooms' in spring and continuing through early summer created yet another attractive highlight in the gardens.
 | But wait there's more!! As the season progressed, the arrival of frosty temperatures sets the stage for their final performance of the season as their evergreen foliage develops dramatic changes. With each passing day the colors continue to intensify and by December they absolutely glow in the garden! These plants will surely provide never-ending gratification for me in the garden over the long winter. | 
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I'm a satisfied gardener - Euphorbias were an outstanding choice for this garden!
The wonderful opportunities these plants offer for the landscape soon had me searching for more.
Did I say "landscape"? You can't stop me there!
Designing and creating container plants this year had my mind racing in pursuit of unique combinations. Two exceptional Euphorbia introductions this past year, 'Blackbird' and 'Helena's Blush' had already been planted in the gardens, but wouldn't they look terrific in containers as well? I was thrilled with the dark purple, almost black foliage of 'Blackbird'. Combined with the gorgeous, creamy yellow and green variegated foliage of 'Helena's Blush', the two made delightful companions in a container by our front entry. An added bonus - the flowers of 'Helena's Blush' are variegated as well!
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| Another member of the Euphorbia family I've found difficult to resist is Euphorbia cotinifolia (Zone 9). This species isn't hardy for our Zone 6 gardens, however it makes a fantastic container plant! I've been successful for three years, bringing the plant inside when the temperatures begin to fall below freezing. Its tremendous growth demanded a larger pot this year, and the shrubby habit was begging for a disguise to conceal its "bare legs". I couldn't refrain from using 'Helena's Blush' once again - the striking variegated foliage was a perfect companion to complement the glowing burgundy color of this Euphorbia. |  |  |
With the onset of winter, my gardening endeavors have ended this year. Nevertheless, I'm preparing for the ambush of new cultivars which will be available in the spring. Another planting frenzy is in the works with numerous choices to satisfy my craving for more Euphorbias in the garden.
Gardening Guru Dan Hinkley, says “you can’t have too many euphorbs” and I enthusiastically agree!
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What more could this crazed Euphorbia enthusiast ask for? What else? More Euphorbias! If my "untamed passion" has persuaded you to add Euphorbias to your garden, take a look at a few of the exciting new selections I'll be considering for planting in the gardens in 2008!
 | Euphorbia polychroma 'Bonfire'
One of my mother's favorite plants has always been Cushion Spurge (Euphorbia polychroma). This new introduction from Blooms of Bressingham offers a new twist for an old favorite. Cushion Spurges typically develop excellent red foliage in the fall, however 'Bonfire's green foliage in spring rapidly changes to a deep burgundy red color and "smolders" all summer long! Hardy to at least Zone 5. |  | Euphorbia 'Excalibur'
Although not a "new" introduction, this Euphorbia from Plant Haven needs to be added to our collection. 'Excalibur' has unique gray-green foliage with a pronounced white midrib. Long lasting flowers of lemon yellow with contrasting coral colored stems. Hardy to at least Zone 5. |  | Euphorbia 'Glacier Blue'
A 2008 introduction from Plant Haven with fantastic variegated foliage! Icy blue-gray leaves with frosted edges of cream. Almost sounds good enough to eat, doesn't it? The breeder reports that 'Glacier Blue' is more robust than other variegated Euphorbias. Hardy to at least Zone 7. |  | Euphorbia 'Kalipso'
An introduction in 2006 from Proven Winners with a dwarf, compact habit (8"-12") - perfect for containers! Long lasting flowers similar to Euphorbia x martinii. Hardy to at least Zone 6. |  | Euphorbia 'Royal Velvet'
This introduction from Terra Nova Nurseries is ready and waiting for a spot in our gardens. The result of a cross between Euphorbia characias 'Portugese Velvet' and Euphorbia x martinii 'Red Martin', the striking red stems are a beautiful contrast with the glowing burgundy-red tones of the 'velveteen' foliage. Hardy to at least Zone 6. |  | Euphorbia 'Shorty'
A new introduction from Itsaul Plants, 'Shorty' has foliage of blue-green. Glowing rosy tips, similar to the bright red bracts of Euphorbia x martinii 'Rudolph', develop with the onset of colder weather. Another compact selection with strong mounding habit that works nicely planted in containers. Hardy to at least Zone 7. |  | Euphorbia 'Tiny Tim'
Dwarf, tightly mounding habit with green and burgundy foliage. A miniature form of its parent, Euphorbia x martinii, with an extremely long blooming period. Compact, dome-shaped form works well for containers or planted in the border. Hardy to at least Zone 6. |
Further information on other favorite Euphorbias can be found in PlantFiles:
Photos used in this article provided by Rick's Custom Nursery unless otherwise noted below:
Special thanks to the following DG members:
Euphorbia 'Excalibur' Happenstance
Euphorbia griffithii 'Fireglow' Todd_Boland
Euphorbia 'Helena's Blush' growin
Euphorbia 'Tasmanian Tiger' palmbob
The following photos, provided courtesy of:
Euphorbia 'Blackbird', 'Tiny Tim' PlantHaven®
Euphorbia 'Efanthia', 'Kalipso' Proven Winners
Euphorbia 'Rudolph' , 'Shorty' Skagit Gardens
Euphorbia 'Royal Velvet' Terra Nova Nurseries
 | My gardening journey began when I discovered perennials in the 80’s, prompting endless trips to the library to educate myself. In 1999, I left the dreary winters of Maine, moved to Virginia and fulfilled my dream of working with plants. Today, I’m a partner with my husband in the nursery he established in 1981. I’m known to test the limits of plants that “shouldn’t” grow in Zone 6. As a hopeless ‘Hortaholic’, I share the sentiment of Tony Avent, “I consider every plant hardy until I have killed it myself...at least three times”! I’m looking forward to sharing my gardening passion with everyone. |
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Subject: Gopher Repellent
Posted by sandyrvrsd (from Riverside, CA) on January 29, 2008 at 2:01 PM:I've had great luck using Euphorbia lathyris to get rid of gophers. Several other Euphorbias look similar, I wonder if any have the same effect? I'd love to try some of these other beauties too! ... Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on January 29, 2008 at 3:58 PM: sandy, that's exactly why I tried planting Euphorbia lathyris this year - someone had referred to as the 'Gopher plant' and figured it couldn't hurt to include it in the planting with the others - might just ward off the moles as well. Planted three, lost one immediately but the other two are surviving, so far that is! Oddly enough I had deer visiting the gardens this year that munched on the Euphorbias - I felt no sympathy, I hope that milky sap made them sick for weeks! LOL ...
Subject: Talisman Tiger?
Posted by bearroadie2 (from Saltillo, MS) on January 28, 2008 at 11:47 PM:I bought some talisman Tiger euphorbias and was soooo excited. I had seen them in seed catalogs and wanted some but wouldn't pay the price. Then I found them at LOWES!! Yes you heard right--Lowes. Well took them home and planted them according to the chart. Kept them watered, but not soaking----this was during our drought season. After all this I watched them die down and wondered if they are gone for good or just dormant??? After reading your article, I am saddened that they may have bit the dust for good.
Any suggestion or more info on this type??? ... Posted by Calif_Sue (from San Jose, CA) on January 29, 2008 at 12:58 AM: What zone are you in?
The 'Tasmanian Tiger' Euphorbia is a Mediterranean plant best in full sun to light shade in a well drained soil and irrigated regularly to occasionally. Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F. I have had mine for a couple of years now and it does not go dormant.
This shot was taken when planted, it's filled out & doubled in size now.
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
I have lost other euphorbia because they were in too heavy of clay soil so I think the key is well drained soil and if planted in clay, light irrigation to prevent rotting.
This message was edited Jan 28, 2008 9:00 PM ... Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on January 29, 2008 at 5:51 AM: Calif_Sue, seems like every time I find a picture of Tasmanian Tiger it's from someone in CA :) I sure hope I'm successful with TT this year.
bearroadie2, Sue's given you some excellent advice and there's not much more I can add. We do have clay soil here and most of the Euphorbias have performed well regardless. I did however have a problem this past summer with an unknown pest :( Some of the Euphorbias looked like they were wilting, suspected problems with moles tunneling through their root system but closer inspection revealed evidence of some type of borer inside the stems. I was never able to actually find what pest had caused this damage and unfortunately the Euphorbias withered away :( I'm hoping this pest won't show his face again but I guarantee you I'll be looking for him. He's not going to get my Euphorbias this year! ... Posted by Calif_Sue (from San Jose, CA) on January 29, 2008 at 11:48 AM:
| Quoted: | | seems like every time I find a picture of Tasmanian Tiger it's from someone in CA |
Yeah, that may be the key. If you scroll down from that photo, the other pictures submitted are from 2 other CA growers and 3 from the west coastal Canada in zone 8. (Todd Boland is in zone 5 but his picture was taken in zone 8)... Posted by bearroadie2 (from Saltillo, MS) on February 1, 2008 at 7:57 PM: I just hope mine comes back!! Does yours go dormant? If not I'll be most unhappy.
My zone has been upgraded to 8.
Thank you for the info and I'll have to check my soil more. It may be too clayey.
... Posted by Calif_Sue (from San Jose, CA) on February 2, 2008 at 12:14 AM: No, sorry, they do not go dormant as I wrote above. Ypu may have to start over, maybe in a different location.
You can add your zone by going to My Info (or clicking on your name in the post here )>click on Manage Preferences and then on the right side is a box is the Your Location link. Add your zip code and it will then add your zone. ...
Subject: Oh mercy....
Posted by Chantell (from Middle of, VA) on January 25, 2008 at 4:23 PM:Great Debra...now I "HAVE" to get some of these esp. with that amazing color... ... Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on January 25, 2008 at 4:30 PM: YES, you do! 'Helena's Blush' is my favorite so far, but who knows with all the new intros for spring? ... Posted by DebinSC (from Summerville, SC) on January 25, 2008 at 9:51 PM: Debra: Thank you for this informative article. I've been eyeing these plants in catalogs for a couple of years but had not tried them. You've convinced me! The hardest part will be choosing!
Deb ...
Subject: Wow, I'm impressed!
Posted by darius (from Appalachian Mtns, VA) on January 25, 2008 at 9:23 AM:What a great job with the information and layout! ... Posted by AYankeeCat (from Bridgeport, CT) on January 25, 2008 at 12:55 PM: I second that! ... Posted by Dea (from Frederick, MD) on January 25, 2008 at 3:31 PM: I'll third it - very, very impressive article!
... Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on January 25, 2008 at 3:39 PM: *Blush* Thank you so much! I'm having fun writing these articles and really appreciate your comments.
Debbie ... Posted by Islandshari (from Kwajalein
(Marshall Islands)) on January 25, 2008 at 4:01 PM: Debbie, beautiful article, full of great info and wonderful pics! You have really inspired me to find more of these (I have a few) for my garden. I didn't know about all the new ones, so now I am on a search! Thanks again!
Yokwe,
Shari ... Posted by gardenwife (from Newark, OH) on January 26, 2008 at 12:44 AM: I've never seen so many euphorbia at one time. Thanks for a great article with lots of details about these plants. ... Posted by gessiegail (from Taft, TX) on January 26, 2008 at 12:59 AM: Not only is the article fantastic but I am in love with these plants. They are just the ticket and an answer to where I live. Down in south Texas under the mesquite trees the wind tears up any delicate plant and these look like they can weather our climate.
I am so excited to research each one soon. Probably some are better than others for zone 9.
Thanks so much!
gail ... Posted by gardenwife (from Newark, OH) on January 26, 2008 at 4:12 PM: We worked SO hard to rid an entire two terribly-overrun beds of one of the spurges, and now I find myself wondering where I might plant some. I just won't go with the same spreading variety! LOL ...
Subject: Lovely Shrubs
Posted by debnes_dfw_tx (from Fort Worth, TX) on January 25, 2008 at 9:21 AM:Nice article Debra!
I love these Euphorbias and Spurges! They provide such a relief to the landscape! Your passion for them is certainly contagious. Also like how you shadowed the pics! Well done!
debnes ... Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on January 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM: Yes I think I will look into these. Thanks for the exhaustive selection. ... Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on January 25, 2008 at 3:44 PM:
| Quoted: | | Your passion for them is certainly contagious. |
Gosh, you mean I gave it away? LOL You got me - I AM "hooked"! I can't wait to plant some of the new introductions this year. Hopefully the breeders will slow down, otherwise I'll run out of room in the gardens!
Thank you both for your comments, I really appreciate it :)
Debbie... Posted by Fitsy (from Hayesville, NC) on January 28, 2008 at 1:52 PM:
Wow!! I'm excited, too! Thanks worlds!!
I have a big question: Do butterflies like 'em???
Fitsy
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Subject: Very well presented article
Posted by pirl (from Southold, NY) on January 25, 2008 at 9:12 AM:'Chameleon' was one of our first purchases when we established our gardens here. Some went in full sun and others in shade. Their colors are so beautiful all year but in spring, with the newly emerging hostas (as pointed out in Pamela Harper's "Color Echoes" book) it is stunning.
'Bonfire' was added to the garden just last year.
Thanks for all the information and the links. ... Posted by pirl (from Southold, NY) on January 25, 2008 at 9:50 AM: It's one of the rare plants where self-seeding is welcome. The small new plants are so easy to move and double the pleasure of growing them. ... Posted by victorgardener (from Lower Hudson Valley, NY) on January 25, 2008 at 10:12 AM: Great article, Debbie! They are one of my favorite plants too. I call them Dr. Seuss plants since so many are so weird looking. Lots a number of supposedly zone 6 ones though. Not sure if it was cold or, more likely, extended wet periods in the winter. ... Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on January 25, 2008 at 3:50 PM: Thank you both :)
Pirl, I'd love to hear about your experience with 'Bonfire' - good OR bad!
Victor, those "winter wet" conditions are more than likely what caused your problems - most of these Euphorbias detest wet soils. We're a cold Zone 6 and no problems so far, although...I'm going to have to keep my fingers crossed for the Zone 7 plants that I intend to "test" here. Give 'Helena's Blush' a try - she's a beauty :) ... Posted by pirl (from Southold, NY) on January 25, 2008 at 3:53 PM: So far it's surviving. ... Posted by rcn48 (from Lexington, VA) on January 25, 2008 at 4:02 PM: LOL, well that's better than "dead"! Reports from the breeder indicate the foliage develops rich hues of red in early summer and continues through the fall - is that what you experienced with 'Bonfire'? I've always loved Cushion Spurge's mounded form and if it truly has the rich red foliage, well then...I just must have it! ... Posted by pirl (from Southold, NY) on January 25, 2008 at 4:39 PM: Since I only received it in October, and planted it right away, I haven't seen it with all the glorious coloring...yet. ... Posted by bigcityal (from Menasha, WI) on January 25, 2008 at 10:11 PM: Nice selling of those spurges Debbie. ...
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