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Shrubs

Euphorbia dendroides

A tender, deciduous semi-succulent shrub with red, woody, branched stems to 2m (6½ft) high and across, forming a canopy when mature. The simple leaves are green and produced in whirls at the ends of the branches and change to fiery red and orange in autumn before falling. Clusters of bright green-yellow floral bracts are produced in spring on the tips of the stems, which then branch into two below the old flower heads, once flowering has finished. Being frost-tender and growing to a large size, this makes it useful for growing as an architectural specimen plant for a frost-free conservatory, greenhouse or large, sunny room indoors

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Ultimate height

1.5–2.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

5–10 years

Ultimate spread

1.5–2.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy
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: Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in containers in a frost-free location in well-drained soil, in full sun. Watering should be moderate over winter to avoid soil remaining too wet for too long and the roots rotting. See Euphorbia for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Pruning group 1 - minimal pruning is required, as the shrub develops naturally into a neat dome shaped bush.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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