How to Grow Euphorbia

There are many, many different perennial species that are commonly known as Euphorbia. Although they differ from one another in looks, they are all easy to grow, handle a bit of mistreatment now and then and look stunning when in flower!

Full sun

Water well after planting. Requires little water once established.

Can tolerate all soil types.

Suitable for all climates

How to grow euphorbia in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Step 4

Mulch with an organic mulch such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw, keeping it clear of the base of the plant.

Step 5

Feed once in spring and autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

How to grow euphorbia in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the selected plant. Position in the garden that receives full sun.

Step 2

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 4

Mulch with an organic mulch such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw, keeping it clear of the base of the plant.

Step 5

Feed once in spring and autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Growing tips

Take care when pruning, as the plant produces a poisonous milky sap when cut. Always wear gloves and keep children and pets away from the area when pruning, until the sap has stopped dripping.

Pests are known to keep well away from these plants due to their sappy nature.
Prune regularly after flowering to keep the plants in shape.
Euphorbias are great for the Mediterranean type garden or dry garden bed.
There are many different species and cultivars of Euphorbia. The most common of them are:

Crown of Thorns (E. milii)As the name suggests, this species is a little thorny but produces the loveliest delicate flowers in the warmer months of the year. They can grow up to 1.5 metres if left to their own devices. Often seen in baskets or pots, just be sure to wear protection when pruning to avoid getting caught up in their thorns!

Mediterranean Spruge (E.characias ssp. wulfenii)Muched loved for the cottage garden, this rounded shrub produces outstanding blue-green foliage on upright stems. Flowers appear from late winter to spring that stand tall above the foliage with their large heads of lime green bracts. Can handle light frosts in winter.

Euphorbia Snow Flake/Hip Hop (E. leucocephela)This is a popular Euphorbia due to its easy care nature and its abundance of delicate white flowers that appear at the top of the stems during autumn and winter. Great for planting in cottage style gardens or hanging baskets.
This species doesn't handle the cold as well as others and is best grown in the temperate to sub tropical regions. Cut back flowering stems in early spring to promote further growth.

Creeping Spurge (E. myrsinites)For an easy care ground cover, this species is a great choice. It can handle light frosts and hot dry weather as well. In addition to being a great ground cover they produce wonderful flowers in Spring and Summer that change colour from green to pink during the flowering season.

Firesticks (E. tirucalli)For a completely different Euphorbia, take a peek at Firesticks. This upright shrub, with its green base and red tips is a great addition and perfect feature plant for pots or gardens.
Best for the temperate to sub tropical climates as they don't handle frosts due to the tender stems.

Poinsettia (E. pulcherrima)
This popular Christmas plant also belongs to this wonderful family. Easy care, loves full sun and provides wonderful coloured bracts in the winter, when planted in the garden.