Myrtle spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites
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🖨 Print-friendly care cardAt a Glance
| Botanical name | Euphorbia myrsinites |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | Myrtle spurge |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Plant type | succulent (evergreen perennial) |
| Height × Spread | ?–10 cm × 10–50 cm |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | well-drained soil; Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand; Acid or Alkaline or Neutral pH |
| Flowering | March–May |
| Toxicity | Milky sap causes significant skin and eye irritation; may cause blindness with eye contact. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Harmful to humans and pets. |
| Native range | southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, from the Balearic Islands and Italy east through the Balkans to Crimea, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Iran |
Where to plant myrtle spurge
Euphorbia myrsinites is an evergreen trailing spurge suited to sunny, free-draining ground. Gravel beds, rock gardens and raised borders often provide more suitable conditions than low, waterlogged clay. Keep the crown out of standing winter water.
Watering and seasonal maintenance
Water newly planted specimens until they establish, then avoid making the soil persistently soggy. The plant usually needs little pruning; remove ageing flowered stems only when appropriate and avoid cutting through healthy growth unnecessarily. Seedlings may appear close to established plants.
Important handling precautions
Euphorbia's milky latex is irritating to skin and eyes and is harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling broken stems, and wash thoroughly afterwards. Keep children and pets away from cut material.
Source: RHS gardening guidance. Advice is adapted to UK growing conditions.
Pests and Diseases
| Problem | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Stems become soft, mushy and discoloured, often collapsing in waterlogged soil. | Ensure sharp drainage by planting in gritty compost or well-drained gravelly soil. |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes chewed into fleshy leaves and stems, often accompanied by slime trails. | Use physical barriers like copper tape or apply iron phosphate pellets around the base. |
| Vine weevil | Notched edges on leaves above ground and wilting plants due to root damage below. | Apply nematodes to the soil in autumn or use systemic insecticides for potted specimens. |
| Powdery mildew | A white, dusty fungal growth appears on leaves and stems, particularly in humid conditions. | Improve air circulation and spray with a sulphur-based fungicide if infection is severe. |
| Sap irritation | Skin redness, itching or eye irritation after handling the milky white sap. | Wear gloves when planting or dividing and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. |
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