Euphorbia griffithii, orange spurge
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Perennials

Euphorbia griffithii

orange spurge

EuphorbiaceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
Width24–36 inches (60–90 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Euphorbia griffithii, commonly called Griffith's spurge or orange spurge, is a spreading rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the family Euphorbiaceae, native to Bhutan, southeastern Tibet, and southwestern China, where it grows in scrub, forest margins, and open slopes at moderate to high elevations. Plants grow 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall, with many erect, reddish stems clothed in narrow dark green leaves with distinctive red or pink midveins and stems. In late spring to early summer, the stems terminate in flattened flower clusters (cyathia) with brilliant orange-red floral bracts — one of the most vivid warm colors available in the perennial garden. In autumn, the foliage turns red and yellow, providing a second season of color interest. The most commonly grown cultivars are 'Fireglow', with intense orange-red bracts, and 'Dixter', selected by Christopher Lloyd, with more muted orange tones. The species spreads steadily by rhizomes and can be vigorous to the point of invasiveness in fertile, moist soils. As with all Euphorbia, the white latex sap is caustic; wear gloves when handling.

Native Range

Native to the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan, southeastern Tibet, and Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of southwestern China. The species grows in scrub, open forest margins, and subalpine meadows at elevations of approximately 6,500–13,000 feet (2,000–4,000 m). It is adapted to cool, moist summers and is correspondingly well suited to Pacific Northwest garden conditions.

Suggested Uses

Orange spurge is a bold late-spring perennial for warm-colored borders, particularly effective combined with other orange and red-toned plants such as oriental poppies, heleniums, and Crocosmia. The hot orange bracts and red-veined foliage make a strong statement in the mixed border from late spring through autumn. Cultivar 'Fireglow' is the most widely available and reliable. The spreading rhizomatous habit makes it useful for covering ground in larger borders but requires monitoring in confined spaces. Situate where the autumn foliage color can be appreciated.

How to Identify

Orange spurge is identified by its many erect reddish stems growing 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall, bearing narrow, lance-shaped dark green leaves with a prominent red to pink central vein — the midvein color is a consistent identifying feature throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, stems terminate in broad, flattened clusters of brilliant orange to red-orange floral bracts (the true flowers are tiny and inconspicuous within). White latex sap is produced when any part is broken. In autumn, foliage turns red and yellow. The spreading rhizomatous colony habit distinguishes it from clump-forming euphorbias.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

orange
red

Foliage Colors

green
red

Fall Foliage Colors

red
yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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SpringSummer
Orange spurge blooms in late spring to early summer, typically May through June in Pacific Northwest gardens, with the most intense display over two to four weeks. The orange-red bract color fades gradually over several weeks after peak bloom. Autumn foliage color (red and yellow) provides a second ornamental period in September through November. Plants die back to the ground in winter and re-emerge from rhizomes in early spring.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Brilliant orange to orange-red floral bracts

Foliage Description

Dark green with prominent red to pink midvein; red and yellow in autumn

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant orange spurge in well-drained to average soil in full sun to partial shade. The species is adaptable to a wide range of soils but spreads most vigorously in moist, fertile conditions — in rich soil, monitor and contain rhizome spread as needed. Drought tolerance once established is moderate; water during extended dry periods in Pacific Northwest summers to maintain foliage quality. No fertilization is required in average garden soil. Division in spring or autumn controls spread and is the primary propagation method. Always wear gloves when handling — the caustic white latex sap irritates skin and eyes.

Pruning

Cut spent flowering stems back to the basal foliage after bloom to tidy the plant; this does not stimulate rebloom but improves appearance. In late autumn after the first frost, cut all stems to ground level. Divide in early spring every three to four years to control spreading habit and refresh clump vigor; lift sections of rhizome with a spade and replant divisions at the original depth. Wear gloves throughout all handling.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans
Euphorbia griffithii (orange spurge) - Identification & Care Guide | PlantRef