1 named cultivar

‘Orange Grove’Orange Grove Euphorbia

perennial

Euphorbia

The Story

Plant Bio

Euphorbia amygdaloides, the wood spurge, is an evergreen perennial from Europe, western Asia and northern Africa, growing eighteen inches to two feet high on upright stems. Narrow dark leaves are arranged in whorls, often flushed purple, and are topped from April to June by the characteristic acid-yellow-green bracts that pass for flowers.

The milky sap is a genuine irritant that raises rashes on contact and is dangerous in the eyes, so wear gloves whenever you cut it and keep the cut ends away from your face. It also holds its shape only in sun; in too much shade the clump opens out and flops, which is the usual reason it looks untidy.

Uses & Benefits:

Acid yellow-green bracts over dark, often purple-flushed evergreen whorled foliage.

Tolerates drought, rocky shallow soil and urban conditions, and is left alone by deer and rabbits.

Early bracts and flowers provide nectar in spring; the sap deters most browsing animals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

21 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Northern Africa, western Asia and Europe

Toxicity

Sap is irritant to skin and eyes

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in full sun, or light afternoon shade where hot.
Choose dry to medium, sharply drained soil.
Set the crown level with the surrounding soil.
Water sparingly; established plants tolerate drought.
Cut spent flowering stems out at the base, wearing gloves.
Divide congested clumps every few years.

Pro Tip

Cut the flowered stems out at ground level rather than shortening them; new shoots come from the base and the old ones never rebranch usefully.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves whenever you cut it 🧤
Give it full sun and sharp drainage ☀️
Remove flowered stems at the base ✂️
Use it in dry, rocky, urban planting 🪨

Don't

Handle the cut stems bare-handed ❌
Plant it in heavy or waterlogged soil ❌
Site it in deep shade and expect a tidy clump ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cut Back
Divide

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dry shade and woodland edge plantingRock garden and gravel bedStructural foliage in a mixed border

Companion Plants

Hellebore Hardy Geranium Bergenia SedumCatmint

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Euphorbia questions

What zones can Euphorbia grow in?

Euphorbia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Euphorbia deer resistant?

Yes — Euphorbia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Euphorbia bloom?

Euphorbia typically blooms in mid-spring to early summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Euphorbia need full sun?

Euphorbia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Euphorbia drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Euphorbia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.