perennial

Martin's Spurge

The Story

Plant Bio

Euphorbia × martinii, Martin's spurge, is a dwarf evergreen subshrub forming a rounded, upright clump of stiff stems clothed in narrow, dark grey-green leaves. The foliage is arranged in tight terminal rosettes, with new growth emerging with distinct burgundy or reddish tones in early spring.

The striking floral display consists of dense, upright terminal clusters of lime-green to chartreuse bracts, each marked with a contrasting dark red center. These long-lasting bracts surround tiny, petal-free flowers and remain attractive from mid-spring through early summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with evergreen grey-green foliage rosettes and long-lasting chartreuse bracts.

Highly drought-tolerant once established, making it excellent for low-water landscapes and gravel gardens.

Attracts general insect pollinators and native bees while remaining completely unpalatable to deer and rabbits.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southern France

Toxicity

Highly Toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Early summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-drained, sandy or rocky soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water moderately to settle the soil, then withhold frequent watering once the root system is established.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch or gravel around the base, keeping it clear of the central crown to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Cut spent flowering stems completely to the ground in late summer; pruning back into old, leafless woody stems will kill the branch as it lacks dormant buds to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear protective gloves and long sleeves whenever pruning to avoid contact with the irritating milky sap.
Cut spent flowering stems all the way back to the basal rosettes in late summer.
Ensure sharp soil drainage to prevent winter root rot.

Don't

Do not prune back into old, bare woody stems, as they will not produce new growth.
Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, which can cause weak, floppy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Gravel GardensRock GardensDrought-Tolerant BordersMediterranean GardensContainer Displays

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Salvia officinalis 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.