Euphorbia Polychroma [yoo-FOR-bee-uh, pol-ee-KROH-muh] is an herbaceous, perennial flowering Euphorbia plant species from the household Euphorbiaceae.
Native to east, southeast, and central Europe, Turkey, and Libya, the plant is also referred to as Euphorbia polychrome and these following frequent names:
- Cushion spurge
- Cushion euphorbia
Cushion Spurge Care
Dimension & Development
Cushion spurge grows to 18” – 20” inches in top, with spreads to about 28” inches. It progress behavior varieties a dome or globe-shaped mound.
It options erect, sturdy stems and medium-green leaves, which look superb in fall as they flip pink, orange, or purple. It is usually deer and drought resistant
Flowering and Perfume
The plant produces terminal clusters of greenish flowers in mid to late spring, that are unnoticeable due to the intense yellow flower bracts beneath.
For the reason that shiny sulphur-yellow bracts are eye-catching, they not solely outshine actual flowers however are sometimes mistaken for flowers.
Therefore, they’re referred to as cyathia the singular time period for Cyathium used for a singular sort of false flower particular to the genus Euphorbia solely.
It consists of 5 small united bracts, joined collectively on the base to kind a cup-like form.
The intense yellow bracts bloom in April and final for a very long time. Nonetheless, their shade barely fades by mid-summer because the stems develop.
Mild & Temperature
Whereas the plant grows finest in full solar, it additionally appreciates mild afternoon shade in areas the place summers are very popular.
Don’t preserve the plant in full shade. An excessive amount of shade makes the clumps open up and lose their distinctive cushion clump-forming form.
The perfect location for planting euphorbia polychrome is one the place it will get full solar within the morning and a few partial shade within the afternoon.
The plant is winter hardy in USDA zones 4 to eight.
Watering and Feeding
In its native habitat, this euphorbia plant grows in dry, open woodlands and rocky hillsides, the place it doesn’t require a lot water to develop.
Soil & Transplanting
Cushion euphorbia is kind of tolerant of sandy, rocky, and different sorts of poor soils.
Though the plant doesn’t have particular soil sort necessities and does develop in poor soils, it can’t tolerate water-logged soils.
For one of the best outcomes, plant in light-textured, free, dry and well-draining sandy soil.
As soon as established Polychroma doesn’t prefer to be transplanted.
Grooming and Upkeep
Euphorbia vegetation are simple to develop and take care of requiring little grooming or upkeep.
Nonetheless, some residence gardeners seek advice from this plant as a backyard thug as a result of when offered the appropriate situations, it self-seeds abundantly.
Regardless of its self-seeding tendency, the plant isn’t thought-about invasive as a result of it’s simply curbed by slicing again the plant by about one-third after the top of the flowering season.
Specialists additionally suggest trimming the plant about 4” inches in early summer time to maintain it compact and bushy.
How To Propagate Euphorbia Polychroma
Propagate the plant in fall or early spring by division, cuttings or by sowing the seeds when they’re ripe.
Take terminal cuttings on the finish of the flowering season or divide in spring by separating the roots.
Watch out when separating the cushion spurge as a result of it doesn’t recognize disturbance.
Discard the central woody elements when propagating by way of root divisions.
Polychroma Euphorbia Pest or Illnesses
Polychrome is resilient to most pests and ailments.
Nonetheless, it typically attracts spider mites, mealybugs, nematodes, and aphids. Be careful for these pests and use appropriate pesticides (Neem oil) as quickly as you detect any of those bugs to forestall extreme infestation.
All elements of the vegetation are extremely poisonous and therefore, not secure for ingestion.
Its stem produces a milky sap when bruised or reduce, which is poisonous and should trigger pores and skin rashes or eye irritation. Put on gloves when dealing with and use warning.
Cushion Spurge Makes use of
The intense yellow-colored flowers and the reddish fall foliage make cushion euphorbia a superb selection for edging, in each containers and rock gardens.
Cushion spurge vegetation are additionally ideally suited for beds, borders, and patios.
Another kinds of euphorbia polychrome are additionally out there, resembling Sweet and Emerald Jade, which additionally characteristic showy flowers and foliage.
