Dwarf spurge
Euphorbia exigua · Euphorbiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant dwarf spurge: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to September
- Adult size
- 4 to 12 inches tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Tender (grow as annual or overwinter indoors)
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, chalky, poor to moderate
Care
Light exposure
Place your dwarf spurge in full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade but clearly prefers very bright locations. Avoid shaded spots that would slow its vigor.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. This plant handles drought well and fears excess moisture which encourages rot. In winter, reduce watering considerably.
Soil
Choose light, well-draining soil, ideally chalky or neutral. Adding sand or gravel improves drainage. Avoid heavy, wet, and compacted soils that can damage the roots.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which encourages foliage at the expense of flowers. An undemanding plant that doesn't require intensive feeding.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove dead or damaged stems in early spring. You can pinch back the tips to encourage a more compact, bushy habit. Deadheading spent flowers extends the blooming period.
Diseases and pests
Watch for excess moisture which can cause root or fungal rot. Spider mites sometimes appear in dry conditions. Good air circulation and proper drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Dwarf spurge is a pioneer plant of poor, disturbed habitats: it naturally colonizes paths, gravel beds, and wastelands across Europe. Its name 'exigua' means 'puny' or 'scanty' in Latin, reflecting its modest small stature yet great ecological resilience. This discreet little herb has long interested botanists for its ability to thrive where few other plants can take root.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Wood spurgeEuphorbia amygdaloides
- Caper spurgeEuphorbia lathyris
- Albanian spurgeEuphorbia characias
- Spiny spurgeEuphorbia spinosa
- Garden crotonCodiaeum variegatum
- Griffith's spurgeEuphorbia griffithii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.