Euphorbia oblongata
Balkan spurge
A short-lived, neat, clump-forming herbaceous perennial that's usually grown as an annual. The stem leaves are dark green and no more than 5cm long and 2cm wide. The chartreuse-yellow flowerhead leaves appear in flat heads, 15cm wide, for a long period from spring to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Red Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
- Balkan Pen., Aegean Islands, NW Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in moist, humus-rich, but well-drained soil in light dappled shade with sun for part of the day. Great for flower arranging. Self-sows so may have the potential to become a nuisance if not well managed. See Euphorbia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as ripe or sow directly in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back flowered shoots to base or collect stems for flower-arranging as needed
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
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.