Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Annual Biennial

Euphorbia peplus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

petty spurge

A small annual typically 5-20cm tall often considered a weed. Erect, branching stems bear oval leaves up to 3cm long and small, pale green flowers with triangular bracts below

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: IRRITANT to skin/eye, harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus

Euphorbia can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or succulents, with milky sap and small flowers held within cupped, often colourful bracts

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe & Temp. Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun but will tolerate moist soils and shady conditions. Readily self-seeds so remove plants before flowers set seed to limit spread. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Gnerally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.