Euphorbia 'Blackbird' (Spurge 'Blackbird')

Botanical name

Euphorbia 'Blackbird'

Other names

Spurge 'Blackbird', Euphorbia 'Nothowlee'

Genus

Euphorbia Euphorbia

Variety or Cultivar

'Blackbird' _ 'Blackbird' is an small, architectural, evergreen perennial with deep-red stems, blue-green leaves, and dome-shaped yellow flowers in late spring.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Clump-forming, Upright

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. The milky sap may cause irritation to skin and eyes.

Colour

Flower

Yellow, Flushed red in Spring

Foliage

Blue-green in Spring; Blue-green in Summer; Blue-green in Autumn; Blue-green in Winter

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Division

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' (Spurge 'Blackbird') will reach a height of 0.45m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Gravel, Low Maintenance

Cultivation

Plant in light, well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' (Spurge 'Blackbird')

Common pest name

grape ground pearl

Scientific pest name

Margarodes vitis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Main pathway; Vitis spp. plants for planting; already prohibited. However; further consideration of other pathways is required.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' (Spurge 'Blackbird')

Common pest name

cotton mealybug

Scientific pest name

Phenacoccus solenopsis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Watching brief for potential impact on tomato production in the Mediterranean. Other southern European countries likely to be more at risk. Precautionary action will be taken on findings on planting material to protect glasshouse crops and botanical gardens.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Euphorbia 'Blackbird' (Spurge 'Blackbird')

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/