Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

An unusual plant, Euphorbia myrsinites resembles a cluster of elongated silvery-green fir cones, with pale silvery green scale-like leaves overlapping all the way along the prostrate stems. In early summer these have typical flat heads of yellow euphorbia flowers at the ends. Drought tolerant, it's a good plant to grow in a rock garden or in a hollow topped wall, but also thrives in any hot dry sunny situation where drainage is good and the soil does not stay wet in winter. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Grow Euphorbia myrsinites at the front of borders, in a gravel garden or bank. Its striking shape and texture make it a good winter patio plant.

Always wear gloves when working with euphorbias. The milky sap is a skin irritant.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyes
Pruneyesyesyes

Euphorbia and wildlife

Euphorbia has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Euphorbia poisonous?

Euphorbia can be toxic. Its sap is toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Plants that go well with Euphorbia myrsinites
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