If you’re looking for a unique and interesting plant to add to your garden, look no further than the Euphorbia! Also known as spurge, this diverse group of plants comes in all shapes and sizes and can add a touch of whimsy to any garden. They are not only beautiful but also easy to care for.
So, what are the different types of euphorbias to grow in your garden? Some of the most common types of euphorbias include euphorbia amygdaloides, or wood spurge; euphorbia characias, or Mediterranean spurge; euphorbia dulcis, or sweet splurge, and euphorbia myrsinites, or donkey tail spurge. Others include more unusual varieties such as Euphorbia x martini and Euphorbia lathyris.
Each plant has unique features that make it stand out from the rest. For example, wood spurge is a low-growing plant that is perfect for covering the ground in shady areas of the garden. On the other hand, Mediterranean spurge is a taller plant that produces beautiful yellow flowers.
This blog post discusses common types of euphorbias to grow in your garden. Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What Makes Euphorbia a Great Plant for Your Garden
Contrary to popular belief that all succulents are cacti, not all cacti are succulents. In fact, there is only one family of plants classified as succulent and cactus, the Euphorbiaceae Family, which contains over 7,500 members, including the genus Euphorbia.
The vast majority of euphorbias are not cacti, but they are often confused as such because of their similarities. Both plants are adapted to arid climates and have thickened, fleshy leaves or stem that store water. They both produce flowers, but Euphorbias produce a much wider variety of flower shapes, colors, and sizes.
Euphorbias are native to every continent except Antarctica and can be found in various habitats, from deserts to rainforests. There are both annual and perennial varieties and succulent and non-succulent types. In other words, there is a type of Euphorbia for every garden!
Here are some reasons why Euphorbia makes an excellent plant for your garden. They are:
- Easy to care for and require very little maintenance.
- Drought-tolerant and can thrive in areas with little water.
- Heat-tolerant and can withstand high temperatures.
- Adaptable and can grow in a wide variety of climates and habitats.
- Available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.
What Are the Different Types of Euphorbias to Grow in Your Garden?
Now that you know a little bit more about Euphorbia and why it makes an excellent plant for your garden, let’s look at some of the different types you can grow.
1. Euphorbia amygdaloides
Euphorbia amygdaloides, also known as wood spurge, is a low-growing succulent that is perfect for covering the ground in shady areas of the garden. It has dark green leaves with purple veins and small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring.
This Euphorbia is native to Europe and Asia and can grow up to 18 inches tall. The plant is easy to care for and requires very little maintenance. Typically, it thrives in moist, well-drained soils and does not require much water.
It is best for USDA hardiness zones 4-8 and relatively rich tones. The Euphorbia amygdaloides will self-seed happily in the right conditions making it an excellent ground cover for those difficult-to-fill shady spots in your garden.
It looks excellent when planted with other shade-loving plants such as hostas, ferns, and impatiens.
2. Euphorbia characias
Euphorbia characias, also known as Mediterranean spurge, is a tall, evergreen succulent that produces beautiful yellow flowers. It is native to Europe and Asia and typically grows up to 3 feet tall.
This Euphorbia is easy to care for and requires very little maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soils and does not require much water. It is best for USDA hardiness zones 8-10.
The Euphorbia characias is an excellent choice for gardens that receive much sun. It looks gorgeous when planted in mass as a border or accent plant. It also makes a perfect cut flower for bouquets and arrangements.
3. Euphorbia x martini
This hybrid euphorbia has characteristic deep green leaves with creamy yellow margins. It’s a compact plant that grows about 12 inches tall and wide, making it perfect for small gardens or planting in containers.
Euphorbia x martini is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring little more than occasional watering and fertilizing. It is best for USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a splash of color.
It looks beautiful when planted in mass as an accent plant or border. It also makes a great cut flower for bouquets and arrangements.
Euphorbia x martini is native to Europe and Asia and typically blooms in the spring. Its blooms are small and yellow and last for several weeks.
4. Euphorbia Lactea
The Euphorbia lactea is a succulent plant that originates from India. It has thick, fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette shape. The leaves are shades of green, with some varieties having white or cream-colored stripes running through them.
The Euphorbia lactea grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and heat, making it an ideal choice for gardens in hot, dry climates.
This type of Euphorbia typically blooms in the spring or summer. Its flowers are small and yellow and last for several weeks.
The Euphorbia lactea is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a succulent that is easy to care for and provides beautiful color and interest to the garden.
5. Euphorbia myrsinites
Euphorbia myrsinites, also known as donkey tail spurge or myrtle spurge, is a low-growing succulent that produces long, cascading stems covered in blue-green leaves. It is native to Europe and Asia and typically grows up to 12 inches tall.
This Euphorbia is easy to care for and requires very little maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soils and does not require much water. It is best for USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
The Euphorbia myrsinites is an excellent choice for gardens that receive enough sunlight. It looks stunning when planted in mass as a border or accent plant. It also makes a great cut flower for bouquets and arrangements.
Euphorbia myrsinites is also known to be deer resistant, making it a good choice for gardeners who live in areas where deer are a problem.
6. Euphorbia Milii
The Euphorbia milii, also known as the crown of thorns or Christ plant, is a shrub that originates from Madagascar. It gets its name from the sharp thorns that line its stems. The Euphorbia milii has small, oval-shaped leaves that are deep green.
The flowers are small and yellow and grow in clusters at the tips of the stems. The Euphorbia milii grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and heat, making it an ideal choice for gardens in hot, dry climates.
7. Euphorbia cyparissias
Euphorbia cyparissias, also known as cypress spurge, is a low-growing succulent that produces long, cascading stems covered in blue-green leaves. It is native to Europe and Asia and typically grows up to 12 inches tall.
This type of Euphorbia is easy to care for and requires very little maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soils and does not require much water. It is best for USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
The Euphorbia cyparissias is an excellent choice for gardens that receive much sun. It looks gorgeous when planted in mass as a border or accent plant. It also makes a great cut flower for bouquets and arrangements.
Euphorbia cyparissias is also known to be deer resistant, making it a good choice for gardeners who live in areas where deer are a problem.
8. Euphorbia Marginata
One of the most popular types of euphorbias is the Euphorbia marginata, also known as snow on the mountain. This perennial plant is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
It’s easily recognizable by its white margins and small, round leaves. The Euphorbia marginata is a low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for beginner gardeners. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
The Euphorbia marginata is an excellent choice for gardens that receive adequate sun. It looks lovely when planted in mass as a border or accent plant. It also makes a great cut flower for bouquets and arrangements.
9. Euphorbia Tirucalli
The Euphorbia tirucalli, also known as the pencil cactus or milk bush, is a succulent that originates from Africa. It gets its name from its thin, pencil-like stems that can grow up to 20 feet long. The Euphorbia tirucalli has small, oval-shaped leaves that are deep green.
The flowers are small and yellow and grow in clusters at the tips of the stems. The Euphorbia tirucalli grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of drought and heat, making it an ideal choice for gardens in hot, dry climates.
Summary
As you can see, there are many different types of euphorbias to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant or something that will add height and interest to your garden, there’s sure to be a type of Euphorbia that’s right for you. So why not add one (or more!) of these unique plants to your garden today?
Last update on 2023-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
