Euphorbia Blackbird ('Nothowlee'PBR)
spurge [Blackbird]
A dwarf evergreen sub-shrub forming a bushy mound to 50cm. The narrow leaves are green flushed with dark reddish purple, the colour deepest in good light. The flower bracts are bright yellowish green, present from early to late spring
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Red Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Green Purple | |||
| Autumn | Red Green Purple | |||
| Winter | Red Green Purple |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, light soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be subject to grey moulds
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.