Euphorbia polychroma Family: Euphorbiacaea
(yew-FOR-bee-ah pol-ee-KRO-mah)
syn. Euphorbia epithymoides

Common name: cushion spurge
Zone: 4 – 9
Height: 18-24 in (45-60cm) Spread: 12-24 in (30-60cm)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade
Soil: average; well-draining
Water: minimal

Description: An herbaceous perennial with a mounding habit. Obovate, bright green leaves turn shades of red, orange and apricot in autumn. Showy, bright chartreuse-yellow bracts appear at the branch tips in early spring through mid-summer.

Special Notes: Native to central and southern Europe. Good cut flower but stem tips must be singed or dipped in boiling water to stop the milky sap from flowing. Self-sows. Drought tolerant. Deer and rabbit resistant. Watch for powdery mildew. Propagate by seed; division in early spring.

Caution: Milky sap can cause skin and eye irritation. Toxic if ingested.

RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993

Posted on March 7, 2013