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Herbaceous Perennial

Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

wood spurge 'Purpurea'

'Purpurea' is a softly downy evergreen perennial to 75cm tall, with deep purple stems and leaves, and contrasting lime-green flowers opening at the ends of the leafy stems in spring and early summer

Synonyms
Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Rubra'
Euphorbia purpurea misapplied

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Purple
Summer Green Yellow Purple
Autumn Purple
Winter Purple
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

An easy-to-grow plant that will cope with most conditions even dry shade. It spreads by rhizomes has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds

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