Euphorbia rigida Tweet

Genus: Euphorbia

Common Name: Spurge

Latin Name: Euphorbia rigida

Variety:

Family Name: Euphorbiaceae

Plant Description:

Euphorbia rigida has at first an upright habit, then the branches tumble down forming clumps. The pointed sea-green leaves are borne in spirals on the stem. Deep yellow flowerheads are produced in spring. The yellow-green nectar glands have wart-like growths on their edges. This species will thrive in the sunniest position in the garden with no shade making it ideal for a hot, dry bed or gravel garden. In the right situation it will self-seed. This is a species which appears to be evergreen, because in any year it always has leafy shoots showing above the soil level. Some of these will be flowering shoots and others not. Shoots never last for more than two growing seasons, and flowers only appear on the shoots that are two years old. These die back after flowering to be replaced by new stems, which, in turn, will flower in the next growing season. Euphorbias have three different types of leaves. Stem leaves vary considerably in size and shape from species to species. Above these stem leaves is a cluster of leaves known as "whorl leaves". Out of these emerge the branched flowering head and the floral leaves which have the brightest colour. The actual flowers are very small and inconspicuous with no petals or sepals. It is the floral leaves, along with glands secreting nectar, that attract the pollinators. As the main colour of the plant comes from a leaf, not a petal, the colour is always long-lasting. The sap of euphorbias is poisonous, so contact with the skin should be avoided. It can cause blistering or rash reaction in some people. The wearing of gloves and long sleeves is therefore advisable when handling the plants. Similarly avoid contact with the eyes. Euphorbias have been given the common name "spurge" from the latin "expurgare". This refers to their historical medicinal use as a purgative. Euphorbias make up one of the most diverse and largest plant families in the world with over 2,000 species ranging from small annuals to evergreen shrubs and succulents. One of the best known is the Christmas pot plant, the poinsettia. The species which can best be grown in UK gardens are almost all from the cool temperate regions and the Mediterranean. Caution. Toxic if eaten / skin & eye irritant.

Latin Name Explanation:

From Euphorbus, a physician during the reign of the Mauretanian King Juba II in the first century BC. Euphorbus may have used the sap from native species of the plant in his medicines. Rigida due to the upright growing habit.

Preferred Aspect: Partial Shade (sun)

Height: 30cm

Spread: 100cm

Form: Herbaceous

Hardiness: Frost Hardy - withstand temperature down to -5C

Grown Height: 30cm

Grown Spread: 100cm

Leaf Type: Herbaceous

Likes Soil Type:

Chalky
Sandy
Silty

Does not thrive in Soil Type:

Hardiness: Frost Hardy - withstand temperature down to -5C

Preferred Aspect: Partial Shade (sun)

Primary Flower Colour: Golden Yellow

Primary Foliage Colour: Blue Green

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Period of Interest

Planting Period

Pruning Period

Element of Interest:

Colour
Flowers & Leaves
Leaves
Shape - Adds Character to Your Garden
Shape & Colour
Spring Colour
Texture (Touch)


Likes PH: Slightly Acid - Neutral - Slightly Alkaline

Does not thrive in PH:

Moisture Level: Well drained soil

Growth Rate: Moderate

After Care Required: Trim to Keep Shape and Size in Check


Work Involved: Easy to Grow

Fragrance: Not Scented

Suitable for Small Garden:

Does it need staking?:

Plant for RHS Identification Course:

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Specific Planting:

Plant in autumn or spring. Incorporate some sharp grit into the soil prior to planting. Dig a hole larger than the plant's root ball and fill to the top with water. Allow to drain away and then position the plant so that its compost is level with the surrounding soil. Half back-fill the hole compacting the soil so that it is the same firmness as the compost around the roots. Refill the hole with water and again allow to drain away. Complete filling in the hole with soil.

Specific Care:

In general all euphorbias will be happy provided they receive some sun, shelter and reasonable drainage. When newly planted they may require watering until established. Otherwise, plants can usually cope with dry conditions and manage adequately on whatever rainfall is available.

Specific Feeding:

This variety will benefit from a mulch of well rotted manure around its base in autumn.

Propagation

From Seed

There are more plants of the same Genus. If you would like to see them all please press 'Show All' button.

Euphorbia amygdaloides var robbiae Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Bob's Choice' Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Craigieburn' Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea' Euphorbia caput-medusae Euphorbia characias Euphorbia characias ssp. characias Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii Euphorbia characias subp wulfenii 'John Tomlinson' Euphorbia characias subsp wulfenii 'Emmer Green'

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