- Botanical name: Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae
- Common name: Spurge
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial, Evergreen
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae is one of the few plants that thrives in poor dry soil in shade, making it the perfect choice for growing under big trees. It spreads by underground runners, eventually forming a low weed smothering carpet. It bears upright spikes of lime green flowers from spring to early summer, in contrast with dark glossy foliage. It makes a good year-round evergreen foil for other shade loving plants. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Grow Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae in well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Cut back faded flower stems in autumn. Remove unwanted seedlings each spring as part of routine border maintenance.
Always wear gloves when working with euphorbias. The milky sap is a skin irritant.
How to grow Euphorbia amygdaloides
-
Plant size
50cm height
1.5m spread
-
Aspect
North facing, east facing, south facing, west facing
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Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, partial shade, full shade
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / chalky / alkaline / acidic
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Divide |
J
Do not Divide in January |
F
Do not Divide in February |
M
Do Divide in March |
A
Do Divide in April |
M
Do Divide in May |
J
Do not Divide in June |
J
Do not Divide in July |
A
Do not Divide in August |
S
Do not Divide in September |
O
Do not Divide in October |
N
Do not Divide in November |
D
Do not Divide in December |
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
J
Do not Prune in January |
F
Do not Prune in February |
M
Do not Prune in March |
A
Do not Prune in April |
M
Do not Prune in May |
J
Do not Prune in June |
J
Do not Prune in July |
A
Do not Prune in August |
S
Do Prune in September |
O
Do Prune in October |
N
Do Prune in November |
D
Do not Prune in December |
Euphorbia amygdaloides and wildlife
Euphorbia amygdaloides is known for attracting beneficial insects and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Does not attract Bees
Attractive to Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Attractive to Other pollinators
Is Euphorbia amygdaloides poisonous?
Euphorbia amygdaloides can be toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Livestock
Plants that go well with Euphorbia amygdaloides
