Spotted spurge
Euphorbia maculata · Euphorbiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant spotted spurge: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Spotted Spurge
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Type
- Annual or short-lived perennial herb
- Mature size
- 15 to 40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous, small opposite leaves often spotted with red
- Flowering
- Summer (June to September)
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, frost-sensitive depending on region
- Origin
- North and Central America
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil slightly moist, without excess. Reduce watering in fall and winter. Avoid stagnant water which promotes root rot. In pots, let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Exposure
Place your spotted spurge in full sun for optimal growth and more intense leaf coloration. It tolerates partial shade but remains less vigorous and less colorful. Protect it from strong winds that damage the foliage.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back the growth tips regularly to encourage bushy branching. Remove damaged stems or spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Autumn cleanup prepares the plant for winter.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter. Prefer a light fertilizer suited for ornamental plants.
Soil and repotting
Use light, well-draining potting soil enriched with sand or perlite to improve drainage. Soil that is too rich or too heavy slows growth. Repot in spring in a slightly larger pot if necessary.
Pests and diseases
Watch for mealybugs and aphids, which are common on this species in cultivation. Powdery mildew and root rot emerge in humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Maintain good air circulation and avoid stagnant humidity to prevent these problems.
Did you know?
Euphorbia maculata is called 'prostrate spurge' in English because it grows as a low-lying mat and is a very effective ground cover. Long used by indigenous peoples of North America for medicinal purposes, it remains a key plant in ethnobotany. Its characteristic white latex, typical of Euphorbiaceae, is irritating to the skin and should never be ingested.
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.