Myrtle spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites · Euphorbiaceae
📷 Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ Euphorbe : sève irritante par contact cutané et ingestion pour tous ; dermatite, brûlures muqueuses, troubles gastro-intestinaux.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant myrtle spurge: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Euphorbia myrsinites
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Form
- Succulent herbaceous
- Foliage
- Evergreen, blue-green
- Flowering
- April to June, yellow-green bracts
- Adult height
- 30 to 40 cm
- Hardiness
- Down to -10 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region (Corsica, Sardinia)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Euphorbia myrsinites is a green succulent that flowers from April-May: it thrives in rich soil, but prefers gravel and sand. Let it dry out completely in winter (very little watering from November to March).
The common mistake
Watering it regularly in winter: it rots at the collar.
The pro's trick
Divide the thick rosettes in May after flowering: replant them dry and they'll root in 2-3 weeks.
Care
Light exposure
This euphorbia demands full sun exposure for optimal growth and beautiful blue-green foliage colour. Avoid partial shade which promotes etiolation. A south or west-facing position works perfectly, even in warm regions.
Watering
Water moderately and let the soil dry between waterings. In summer, space out waterings and reduce them in winter when the plant enters relative dormancy. The roots dread excess moisture: favour light, regular watering.
Soil
Very well-draining soil is essential: opt for a mineral substrate mixed with potting soil (60% sand or gravel, 40% potting soil). This plant tolerates poor and chalky soils. Adding perlite or pumice improves drainage.
Pruning
No strict pruning is necessary. You can remove dead or damaged stems in spring to promote compactness. Wear gloves when handling: the sap of euphorbia can irritate skin.
Fertiliser
A low-nitrogen fertiliser application in spring is sufficient. This frugal plant doesn't require intensive feeding. A cactus or succulent fertiliser diluted by half works perfectly once or twice during the growing season.
Diseases and pests
Euphorbia myrsinites primarily fears stagnant moisture which causes root rot. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites in dry climates. Good drainage and air circulation generally prevent problems.
Did you know?
Corsican euphorbia was once used in Mediterranean rock gardens for its remarkable ability to survive in arid soil. Its Greek name 'Euphorbia' honours Euphorbes, physician to King Juba II of Mauritania, who is said to have discovered this plant's virtues — though we recommend never ingesting it or applying it to skin without medical advice, as its latex is irritating.
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.