Shade-tolerant euphorbias / RHS Plant Guide

Shade-tolerant garden euphorbias

RHS Genus Guide

Some euphorbias thrive in dappled shade in the garden. Known for their striking foliage and brightly coloured leaf bract, which surround the tiny flowers, they are generally easy to grow as long as the soil isn't very dry in summer. Grow under trees, with other shade-loving perennials and spring bulbs, to create striking constrasts in shape, colour and texture.

Common name: Spurge, wood spurge

Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Appearance

Some like Europbia amygdaloides makes attractive evergreen groundcover with the dark or purple leaves acting as a foil for the acid yellow flowers. E. griffithii offers orange bracts and bronze infused foliage. They all appreciate soil that doesn't dry out in summer and, although happy enough planted in full sun, they do well in dappled shade.

Preferences

These plants appreciate fertile soil improved with garden compost, ideally in light dappled shade. Some can also do well in sun, provided the soil does not dry out in summer.

Dislikes

These euphorbias dislike very dry soil. Occasionally, in a very sunny position, the flowers and leaves can scorch.

Did you know?

Euphorbias can be picked as cut flowers. E. amygdaloides var. robbiaeis especially good in spring and looks great with tulips in a vase. Wear gloves to protect yourself from the milky sap which can be an irritant when you pick. Dip the bottom of the stems in boiling water for 10-15 seconds to enable them to take up water, which stops them wilting in your display.

RHS Growing Guide