perennial

Martin's Spurge

The Story

Plant Bio

Euphorbia × martini is a naturally occurring hybrid spurge from southwestern Europe, forming a dense, mounding evergreen subshrub of stiff, upright stems clothed in narrow, grayish-green leaves. In spring and early summer, the stem tips produce large clusters of chartreuse floral bracts, each marked with a contrasting dark reddish-purple center.

This hybrid combines the cold hardiness of its parent species with a robust, drought-tolerant stature. The tight rosettes of foliage often take on a deep burgundy or red tint during cool spring weather before the distinctive bicolored bracts open.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with its tight rosettes of grayish-green foliage and striking chartreuse spring bracts.

Thrives in poor, dry soils and coastal conditions where other perennials struggle.

Attracts generalist beneficial insects and bees while remaining completely ignored by mammalian herbivores.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

28"

Width

28"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southwestern Europe

Toxicity

Highly toxic; sap causes severe skin and eye irritation

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun and exceptionally well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil.
Dig a hole matching the depth of the root ball and twice as wide.
Gently loosen the roots of the container plant and place it in the hole, keeping the crown level with the soil surface.
Backfill with native soil, press firmly, and water lightly to settle without saturating the roots.

Pro Tip

Prune flowered stems back to the basal rosette immediately after blooming finishes in early summer; cutting into old, leafless wood prevents new buds from forming and leaves the plant permanently leggy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear heavy gloves and long sleeves when handling or pruning to avoid contact with the toxic, irritating sap.
Ensure the soil is sharply drained, especially during cold winter months.
Prune spent flowering stems back to the base immediately after blooming finishes.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas where water pools.
Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems as they will not regenerate.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which cause weak, floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensMediterranean gardensDry bordersGravel gardensCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Salvia officinalis Festuca glauca Sedum spectabile

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Martin's Spurge questions

What zones can Martin's Spurge grow in?

Martin's Spurge is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Martin's Spurge deer resistant?

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

When does Martin's Spurge bloom?

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

Does Martin's Spurge need full sun?

Martin's Spurge does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Martin's Spurge drought tolerant?

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