Euphorbia hypericifolia

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Synonyms

Chamaesyce hypericifolia

Herbaceous Perennial

A frost-tender, evergreen, herbaceous perennial forming a mound, with stems to 60cm (2ft) high and wide, with green, opposite, elliptical leaves. Attractive, much-branched terminal flower clusters appear from spring to autumn, each consisting of a central green and white female flower, surrounded by showy, male flowers with elliptical, white floral bracts. The plant is often grown as an annual outdoors in cool climates, but where container grown, can be overwintered in frost-free conditions.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eyeharmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Trop. & Subtrop. America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in moist, but well-drained soil, or dry soil in full sun. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or by basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove plants in autumn where grown as an annual outdoors; trim in spring to maintain a compact habit when grown under glass.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free