Also known as Spurge · 661 saves
Euphorbia
Euphorbia, the genus most gardeners know as spurge. We track 45 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Euphorbia varieties
See all 45 Euphorbia varieties →Search this genus →
20 species of Euphorbia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Euphorbia in Sow
Save the Euphorbia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Euphorbia
Whats common across all Euphorbia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Euphorbia year
- PruneJune93% of varieties
Cut spent flower stems back to the ground after blooming to prevent aggressive self-seeding.
- Spring CleanupFebruary55% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged foliage before new growth begins. Wear gloves.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October43% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil in spring or early fall.
- PropagateApril and May33% of varieties
Divide clumps in early spring if needed; handle sap carefully.
- DivideMarch and September30% of varieties
Divide large, congested clumps every 3-5 years using a sharp spade.
Do
- Water sparingly during dormancy 🌱
- Provide full sun for vigorous growth
- Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out between watering 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
- Prune dead or damaged stems in early spring
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Euphorbia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on stems | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted growth | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Use miticide or spray with neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Soft, blackened roots and wilting plant | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on stems | Apply fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Euphorbia
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem segments and allow them to callus for 2 days.
- Plant cuttings in gritty soil and water lightly.
- Keep in bright, indirect light for 4-6 weeks until roots develop.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist, well-draining soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil moisture and provide warmth for germination over 4-6 weeks.
Euphorbia questions
How many types of Euphorbia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 45 distinct Euphorbia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 661 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Euphorbia grow in?
Across its varieties, Euphorbia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Euphorbia bloom?
Most Euphorbia varieties bloom in summer, early summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Euphorbia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.