Euphorbia polychroma
cushion spurge
Overview
Euphorbia polychroma is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the spurge family, forming a rounded mound 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall and about as wide. Many upright stems carry oblong mid-green leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, densely clothing the dome. In mid to late spring the stem tips broaden into flat heads of bright chartreuse to sulphur-yellow bracts that surround the small true flowers and hold their color for 6-8 weeks. The leaves take on orange, red, and purple tones in autumn before dying back. The plant grows from a woody crown and increases slowly into a dense cushion without spreading aggressively. All parts exude a milky white latex when cut; the sap irritates skin and eyes and is toxic if eaten. The species is also listed under the name E. epithymoides. One limitation is that the foliage can develop powdery mildew in humid, crowded, or overly shaded conditions, and the mound may open at the center in rich, damp soil.
Native Range
Euphorbia polychroma is native to central and southeastern Europe and western Asia, including the Balkans and Turkey. It grows in open woodland, scrub, dry meadows, and on rocky slopes.Suggested Uses
Used at the front of borders, in rock gardens, and in gravel and dry-garden plantings, and as low edging. The spring bracts combine with tulips, late bulbs, and blue-flowered perennials. It is grown in mixed plantings where a rounded, season-long form is wanted.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
The chartreuse-yellow bracts appear from mid to late spring, usually April to May, and hold their color for 6-8 weeks. The small true flowers sit within the bracts and are inconspicuous. Color fades to green as the bracts age into summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Chartreuse to sulphur-yellowFoliage Description
Mid-green, orange-purple in autumnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Euphorbia polychroma in full sun to light shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Sharp drainage and good air movement reduce the risk of mildew and crown rot. Water during dry spells in the first season; once established the plant is drought-tolerant and needs little care. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 suits it, and rich feeding is not needed. The milky sap irritates skin and eyes when the stems are cut. Cutting the whole plant back after the bracts fade keeps the mound dense.Pruning
Cut the stems back by about one-third after the bracts fade in early summer to keep the cushion compact and tidy. Remove any mildewed or dead growth. The sap released from cut stems irritates skin and eyes.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons