Euphorbia glauca

An evergreen, clumping perennial growing up to 1m tall and 1m wide.

Leafy, blue-green bracts surround clusters of small dark red-purple flowers from October to February. Leaves are long and narrow and also glaucous in colour. Stems can be green-blue or bright red.

Full sun with well-drained soil. It will tolerate open, exposed sites on poor soil with salt spray and drought conditions.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins. Planting too closely leads to spindly growth, poor flowering and eventual decline. In a well-planned border, the plants in flower should just touch each other to create a “full” effect without overcrowding. Plant approximately 80cm apart.

The first summer and autumn after planting are critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds; organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems. Except on very fertile soils, an annual light dressing (50g/m2) of general-purpose fertiliser in spring is beneficial. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots. Avoid disturbing the roots if possible as they are relatively delicate. Divide large plants in autumn by pushing in two garden forks back to back and prising apart. If clumps are allowed to get too old before being divided then the centre of the clump often dies out and the plants' growth weakens. Dividing helps with vigour and gives you new plants for free! This euphorbia can easily also be grown from seed.

Slugs and snails may be a problem with soft new growth but rabbits will do the most damage and can chew off whole plants easily!

Threatened Native Plant Garden