Introducing...
Shade-tolerant garden euphorbias
Common name: Spurge, wood spurge
Some euphorbias thrive in dappled shade in the garden. Known for their striking foliage and brightly coloured leaf bract, which surround the tiny flowers, they are generally easy to grow as long as the soil isn't very dry in summer. Grow under trees, with other shade-loving perennials and spring bulbs, to create striking constrasts in shape, colour and texture.
Looks
Some like Europbia amygdaloides makes attractive evergreen groundcover with the dark or purple leaves acting as a foil for the acid yellow flowers. E. griffithii offers orange bracts and bronze infused foliage. They all appreciate soil that doesn't dry out in summer and, although happy enough planted in full sun, they do well in dappled shade.
Likes
These plants appreciate fertile soil improved with garden compost, ideally in light dappled shade. Some can also do well in sun, provided the soil does not dry out in summer.
Dislikes
These euphorbias dislike very dry soil. Occasionally, in a very sunny position, the flowers and leaves can scorch.
Did you know?
Euphorbias can be picked as cut flowers. E. amygdaloides var. robbiae is especially good in spring and looks great with tulips in a vase. Wear gloves to protect yourself from the milky sap which can be an irritant when you pick. Dip the bottom of the stems in boiling water for 10-15 seconds to enable them to take up water, which stops them wilting in your display.
Growing guide
How to grow garden Euphorbia
All you need to know to grow and care for your euphorbias in the garden
Shade-tolerant garden euphorbias we recommend
Euphorbia Excalibur ('Froeup'PBR)
spurge [Excalibur]
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'
wood spurge 'Purpurea'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Euphorbia Excalibur ('Froeup'PBR)
spurge [Excalibur]
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'
wood spurge 'Purpurea'
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Buy euphorbias from 911±¬ÁÏplants.co.uk
Every purchase supports the work of the 911±¬ÁÏ
Useful advice
Perennial borders: choosing plants
Plants for under trees
Shade gardening
Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials
Shade planting: shrubs
911±¬ÁÏ
911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.