Euphorbia portlandica

RHS Plant Profile

Portland spurge

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Other common names

llaethlys Portland

Herbaceous Perennial

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An uncommon native biennial or short-lived perennial, found on the coast around Ireland, Wales and south-west England. Distinctive red stems, which can reach up to 40cm, carry whorls of narrow, rather fleshy, smooth, blue-green leaves. Small clusters of yellow-green, cup-shaped flowers, surrounded by green bracts, develop from May to August

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or 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): H5
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
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

Grows naturally on sand dunes and grassy areas by the sea, so very tolerant of coastal conditions. Needs free-draining soil in a sunny spot

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Gravel garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free