Also known as Spurge · 759 saves
Euphorbia
Euphorbia, the genus most gardeners know as spurge. We track 55 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Euphorbia varieties
See all 55 Euphorbia varieties →Search this genus →
31 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
- PruneJuly93% of varieties
Cut spent flower stems back to the ground after blooming to prevent aggressive self-seeding.
- Spring CleanupMarch55% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged foliage before new growth begins. Wear gloves.
- PlantApril, May, October and November40% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil in spring or early fall.
- DivideApril and October33% of varieties
Split congested clumps as growth resumes in spring.
- PropagateMay and June33% of varieties
Divide clumps in early spring if needed; handle sap carefully.
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 on foliage | Use insecticidal soap or miticide |
| Spider mites | Fine stippling and dulling of the leaves with webbing, in dry heated rooms | Raise humidity and rinse the foliage; indoor winter conditions are what bring them on |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage, and stem collapse, especially in wet winter soils. | Improve soil drainage immediately, reduce watering, and remove severely affected plants. |
| 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.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep soil lightly moist for 2-3 weeks until germination.
- Transplant seedlings when they reach 2 inches tall.
Euphorbia questions
How many types of Euphorbia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 55 distinct Euphorbia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 759 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.