Euphorbia Facts

• Euphorbia are the largest genus in the plant world with varieties on every continent except Antarctica.
• 150 species that grow well in UK gardens are listed in the RHS Plant Finder from over 2000 species worldwide.
• Euphorbia exist as tiny prostrate annuals, perennials and even Trees.
• Some spiny Euphorbia can be confused with Cacti, If you are in Africa it will be a Euphorbia in America it will be a Cactus.
• Spines of Euphorbia will be in pairs.
• Euphorbia exude a white, sticky, irritating resin when scratched.

Euphorbia Groups

1. Annuals, Biennials and Short Lived perennials  – grow, flower, seed and die in a season
2. Annuals, Biennials and Short Lived perennials  – grow, flower, seed and die in a season
3. Herbaceous Perennials – die back in winter so cut down when unattractive but some varieties have good autumn colour
4. Biennial-Shooted evergreen perennials – grow leafy shoots that last 2 seasons then flower to be replaced by new shoots. Cut down to ground level when they look untidy
5. Evergreen or deciduous shrubs – prune only when they grow too big.

Propagation Methods

• Seed for sowing will be set by most garden Euphorbias. They do cross pollinate.

• Stem cuttings will be needed to get a true clone of a special variety. 2-3″ cuttings in spring should root well. Use a liquid hormone rooting compound if you want lots of plants.

• Herbaceous perennials can be divided by cutting the woody crown with a sharp knife. Dust with sulphur and grow the pieces on for a year before replanting. Some Euphorbias have runners that can be planted up.

See also Top Ten Euphorbias and Growing The Spurges

Euphorbia Plants Online

• Euphorbia plants at T&M

Euphorbia Seeds Online

• Euphorbia seeds at T&M