Gardening Flowers Annuals How to Plant and Grow Euphorbia Plants Euphorbia is a tough, drought-tolerant plant genus with colorful leaves that hold their own against summer's heat. By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 2, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Where to Plant Planting Tips Care Types Companion Plants Garden Plans FAQ Euphorbia is a large genus of plants consisting of thousands of annual and perennial species, many of which make beautiful and hearty landscape plants. Euphorbia plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, many boasting cacti-like leaves and colorful striations of red, white, and more. Nearly all euphorbia species are succulents, and those that aren't are best described as woody shrubs or herbaceous plants. Many varieties of euphorbia plants exude sticky white latex sap from their stems, which is toxic and known to irritate humans, dogs, and cats. Use gloves when handling and keep all plant parts away from eyes and skin. Marty Baldwin. Euphorbia Overview Genus Name Euphorbia Common Name Euphorbia Plant Type Annual, Perennial Light Part Sun, Sun Height 6 to 36 inches Width 6 to 36 inches Flower Color Green, Pink, Red, White, Yellow Foliage Color Blue/Green, Chartreuse/Gold Season Features Spring Bloom, Summer Bloom Special Features Good for Containers, Low Maintenance Zones 10, 11, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Propagation Stem Cuttings Problem Solvers Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant Where to Plant Euphorbia Plants Because euphorbias are so versatile and tough, they can be planted anywhere in your garden or landscape, so long as the spot gets enough sunlight. Their colorful variations will look right at home in a garden bed alongside other flowers, but you can also use the various species as a stunning mixed border. Likewise, euphorbia plants also make great options for container gardening, both indoors and out. The plants go dormant throughout the winter but otherwise perform with color and vigor throughout much of the growing season. 25 Outdoor Succulent Container Ideas that Resist Heat and Drought How and When to Plant Euphorbia Plants Plant euphorbia outdoors in the spring after all chance of frost has passed, and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 40°F. Excellent drainage is the most important factor in the success of a euphorbia plant. These plants will rot if their soil stays too moist. When grown as a houseplant, euphorbias can be planted in a cacti and succulent potting mix. Euphorbia Plant Care Tips Though different species of euphorbia may have particular needs, many of their care requirements are the same across the genus. While the plants may need a bit of coddling when getting established, they are generally very self-sufficient and even thrive on neglect. Light Locate your euphorbia plant in full sunlight, where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct light daily. In especially hot climates, a bit of afternoon shade can help prevent the plants from drying out or burning. Soil and Water Euphorbia plants are especially sensitive to soggy soil, so planting them in a well-draining location is a must. Typically, a sandy mixture with a neutral pH is best—if your garden soil is too dense, you can amend it with a bit of perlite to help things along. If you're planting your euphorbia in containers, a standard cacti/succulent potting mix should do just fine. When it comes to watering your euphorbia, keep an eye on how moist the soil is feeling. You'll want to wait to water your plant until the top few inches of soil are completely dry. Euphorbia plants generally only need consistent watering when actively growing in spring, summer, and fall. During winter, you only have to water when the plant shows signs of wilting. Temperature and Humidity Euphorbia plants are fairly adaptable to a variety of temperatures, though many species definitely prefer the warmer temperatures of late spring and summer. Most euphorbias grow well in temperatures as low as 50°F, though some can even tolerate a light frost. Humidity needs vary from species to species for euphorbia, but regardless of tolerance, these plants need good ventilation thanks to their dense shape. Be sure to space your euphorbia plants out from one another and surrounding plants to lower the risk of fungal diseases, especially in wet or humid climates. How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy Fertilizer Fertilizer needs will depend on which euphorbia species you're growing. However, nearly all types will benefit from a light feeding in early spring at the beginning of their growing season. These plants do best with a mild, balanced organic fertilizer—alternatively, you can mix in compost a few times throughout the spring and summer. Euphorbias in containers may need more frequent feedings than those planted in the ground. Pruning The type of pruning your euphorbia plant needs will depend on the specific species—some, like evergreen euphorbias, need to have their spent blooms removed, while others should be cut down to the ground each autumn. Research the needs of the exact species you've planted before proceeding with any pruning. Test Garden Tip Protective gear is necessary when pruning euphorbia. All plants in the genus have a thick, milky sap that can irritate the eyes and skin, so gloves are a great precaution. Potting and Repotting Euphorbia Euphorbia is an ideal specimen for container gardening, either indoors or outdoors. When potting euphorbia, plant it in a cacti and succulent potting mix that drains quickly. You can also put the plant in a terra-cotta or clay pot, which will help wick away excess moisture from the soil so your water-sensitive euphorbia is less likely to develop root rot. The 5 Best Soil for Succulents of 2024 Types of Euphorbia Growth rate and the flowering season varies depending on the type of euphorbia. Here are some popular and easy-to-grow varieties: 'Diamond Frost' Euphorbia Marty Baldwin This hybrid euphorbia is one of the most popular container plants. Wonderfully heat-resistant and drought-tolerant, it produces a continuous supply of frothy blooms from spring to fall. It grows 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide, and is hardy in Zones 10-11. Fire Stick Plant Edward Golich Euphorbia tirucalli 'Rosea', or Fire Sticks, is a tropical variety of euphorbia often grown as an annual. This distinct variety has leafless stems in shades of bright orange, red, and pink, giving it the likeness of flames. It grows 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide and is perennial in Zones 9-11. Best Tropical Flowers for Your Patio Cushion Spurge Peter Krumhardt Euphorbia polychroma is a perennial type that grows in mounding clumps and is often chosen for its showy golden-yellow flowers, which emerge in late spring. Cushion spurge typically grows between 12 and 18 inches tall and is hardy to Zones 4-8. 'Helena's Blush' Euphorbia Marty Baldwin This euphorbia cultivar is perennial but is often grown as an annual in containers. It bears green foliage blushed with purple and edged in creamy yellow. The plant grows 20 inches tall and wide and is hardy in Zones 6-9. Euphorbia Companion Plants Euphorbia pairs beautifully with a number of other garden plants, accenting both annuals and perennials with its lush, bushy growth and unique shapes. Angelonia Also known as summer snapdragon, angelonia has salvia-like flower spires that reach over a foot high and are studded with snapdragon-like blooms in purple, white, or pink hues. Most gardeners treat angelonia as an annual, and it's the perfect plant for adding bright color to hot, sunny spaces. Coral Bells Peter Krumhardt Previously enjoyed for their spires of dainty reddish flowers, coral bells are now grown as much for their unusual mottling and veining of different-color leaves. The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coralbells fine groundcover plants. Cosmos Jon Jensen You can depend on this cottage garden favorite to fill your garden with color all season long. The simple, daisylike flowers appear in cheery shades on tall stems that are great for cutting. The lacy foliage also makes a great backdrop for shorter plants, like euphorbia. Cosmos doesn't like conditions that are too rich and does best with average moisture (but will tolerate drought). Garden Plans for Euphorbia Water-Wise Garden Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke A dry garden spot calls for tough plants that can get by without much water. Use the water-wise selections in this garden plan, which calls for a spurge plant (Euphorbia characias), to create a beautiful display near your home's foundation, along your driveway, or on the streetside strip of grass in front of your house—where you may need some extra durable options. Download This Plan Deer-Resistant Garden Illustration by Gary Palmer Deer may look cute, but they can wreak havoc in a garden. Selecting varieties that are lower on Bambi's menu—like four cushion spurge (Euphorbia polychroma)—is one effective strategy, and luckily, there are plenty of pretty, low-maintenance options. This deer-resistant garden plan features several blooming perennials with a scent or texture that the animals don't like. Download This Plan Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a euphorbia and a spurge? There is no difference between a euphorbia plant and a spurge plant. Both names refer to the same type of plant and are often used interchangeably to describe different species within the euphorbia genus. Where is the best place to plant euphorbia? Locate your euphorbia plants where they can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. The soil should be well draining, and they look best on the border of gardens where you can enjoy their unique shapes and colors. How big does euphorbia get? The exact size of your euphorbia plant will depend on which species or variety you've chosen to plant. They range greatly in size and appearance and can reach anywhere from 6 to 36 inches in height. Which euphorbia plant is most popular? Deciding the most popular euphorbia plant may be impossible since there are thousands of them, but the one most everyone is familiar with is the poinsettia, the much-loved holiday season potted plant used for Christmas decor. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Better Homes & Gardens is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. Euphorbia. North Carolina State University Extension.