spurge
Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbiae
Overview
Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbiae) is an amazing plant species for a variety of reasons. It is drought tolerant and easy to maintain, making it a great addition to any garden. It is a great groundcover and is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. It thrives in partial shade and has an ability to spread and fill in empty spaces in your gardens. Spurge also has an attractive foliage that adds texture to any garden layout, making it an attractive landscaping choice. Its ability to provide an array of colors, including white and pink, makes it a standout species.
Care Guide
Watering
A spurge plant should be watered about once a week, but only enough to keep the soil lightly moist. It is best to water early in the day so the plant can dry off before night, to reduce the chance of rot. A general guide is to water the plant until excess starts to run out of the bottom of the pot, then wait for the soil to dry for about 3 days before watering again. Too much water can cause root rot, so it is important not to overload the plant. As spurge plants tend to favor soil that is moist, they should not be allowed to dry out completely. During the summer months, spurge plants should be watered more often, as the hot temperatures can cause the soil to dry out quickly. It is recommended to water deeply once a week and a half instead of twice a week when the temperature is warmer, but it depends on the local climate, sun exposure, and the size of the pot.
Light
Spurge requires full-sun to partial shade to thrive. In the location where it is planted, it should receive between 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. If possible, avoid exposing the plant to strong midday sun. During the summer months, some afternoon shade may be beneficial for the plant. If the plant is located in a particularly hot area, providing some afternoon shade will help reduce stress and assist in promoting healthier leaves and flowers.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6–8.
Pruning
When it comes to pruning a Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbae) plant, it is best to wait until the plant is in its full growth cycle, usually in late Spring to early Summer. When you do prune the spurge, prune it down by about a third - just enough to keep the shape and size of the plant in check without removing too much of the foliage. When pruning, try to avoid cutting off any new growth, as this can stunt further growth and limit flowering of the plant. Deadheading of any flowers that have passed their prime can also be done during pruning.
Propagation
Cutting, Division, Seed Propagation, Layering Propagation
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow spurge.
