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EUPHORBIA amygdaloides var. robbiae

Image of Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Botanical Name

EUPHORBIA amygdaloides var. robbiae

Plant Common Name

Woodspurge

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

Salmon-red stems are lined with green leaves with reddish undersides on the woodspurge, and bears chartreuse flowers in springtime. An upright clumping perennial that is usually evergreen, it is native to eastern Europe, Turkey and the Caucasus Mountains.

Its spoon-shaped green to dark green leaves encircle and line the tall stems that are a contrasting salmon-red. In mid-spring to early summer, the stem tips bear a cluster of green-yellow flowers that are cup-shaped bracts (modified leaves called cyathia) around the pistils and stamens. Butterflies will help pollinate the flowers that will drop seeds nearby. Normally evergreen, the red tones in the stems and on leaf undersides deepens in autumn and winter.

Grow woodspurge in partial (dappled) shade for its best foliage display although partial sun is fine. Soils should be moist, rich in humus but also well-draining. If soil is always moist a full sun position can be utilized. Immediately after the flowers fade, cut the stems back and allow the plant to rejuvenate with lush, pretty new growth. Use it as an accent clump in the lightly shaded mixed border, or along building foundations. Selection 'Purpurea' is especially loved for its changeable purple tones in its foliage during the growing season. The variety robbiae, known as Mrs. Robb's bonnet, has shiny, darker green leaves and is known to become invasive in many gardens.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 2

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm (30)

  • Width

    24"-36" / 61.0cm - 91.4cm (30)

  • Bloom Time

    Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer

  • Native To

    Europe, Eastern Europe, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow Green, Chartreuse

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Red, Green, Chartreuse

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Red, Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Red

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Gray Green, Dark Red

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Foundation, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes