1 named cultivar

‘Fens Ruby’Ruby Spurge

perennial

Cypress Spurge

The Story

Plant Bio

An aggressive, spreading, rhizomatous perennial with fine, feathery, cypress-like, blue-green foliage. In spring, it's topped with showy, chartreuse-yellow bracts.

Highly adaptable and drought-tolerant, but it is considered invasive in many parts of North America due to its rapid spread by rhizomes and self-seeding. The milky sap is a skin irritant.

Uses & Benefits:

Euphorbia cyparissias adds silvery foliage and drought tolerance to xeriscapes, creating a striking textural contrast.

Its low water requirement makes it ideal for sustainable gardens.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and supports local biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

All parts are toxic; sap can cause skin and eye irritation.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote root development.
Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between watering during active growth.
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 6 weeks during the growing season.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead stems.
Divide clumps in early spring or fall to propagate new plants.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining sandy soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for optimal growth ☀️
Water when topsoil feels dry 🌱
Prune after flowering to shape the plant
Apply organic mulch to retain moisture
Use organic pest remedies if needed

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t disturb roots during flowering
Refrain from using heavy clay soil without amendments
Do not prune in late fall or winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silvery foliage accent in xeriscapesDrought-tolerant groundcoverTextural border along pathways

Companion Plants

SedumLavender Echinacea Agave Yucca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cypress Spurge questions

What zones can Cypress Spurge grow in?

Cypress Spurge is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cypress Spurge deer resistant?

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

When does Cypress Spurge bloom?

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

Does Cypress Spurge need full sun?

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

Is Cypress Spurge drought tolerant?

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