Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'Purple and Gold'

RHS Plant Profile

spurge 'Purple and Gold'

RHS

Synonyms

Euphorbia characias 'Purpurea', Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii 'Purpurea'

Herbaceous Perennial

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An evergreen subshrub or shrubby perennial to around 1.5m tall. Leaves are a dull green in summer but turn purple in autumn and winter. Large, bright yellow and green flowerheads are borne from spring into summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 1-1.5 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing or East–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): H4
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: Spreading branched
Potentially harmful: Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye; harmful 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: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, light soil in full sun to partial shade. See euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Gravel garden
City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

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

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to root and stem rots in wet conditions