Euphorbia fulgens

RHS Plant Profile
scarlet plume

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scarlet plume RHS

Synonyms

Euphorbia fulgens red and yellow

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

A lax, deciduous shrub with slender stems bearing lance-shaped leaves and small clusters of scarlet flower-heads from the upper leaf axils, in winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–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)
H1B
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost with added bark and leafmould, in full light or bright, filtered light. Water moderately in growth and apply balanced liquid fertiliser monthly every 10-14 days. Keep dry after flowering; resume watering as new growth begins. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds