Euphorbia amygdaloides

RHS Plant Profile

wood spurge

Other common names

llaethlys y coed

Herbaceous Perennial

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A bushy, evergreen perennial with reddish green stems and matt green leaves, which can be reddish benneath and become darker in the winter. Yellow clusters of flowers in spring and summer

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, 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

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade

Aspect: East–facing or North–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): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Evergreen
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

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

Propagation

Divide in spring, basal cuttings in early summer, sow seeds.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens
Low Maintenance
Ground cover

Pruning

Remove stems imediatley after flowering to encourage new basal growth.

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to botrytis (grey mould)