Euphorbia epithymoides 'Major' (Greater cushion spurge)

Botanical name

Euphorbia epithymoides 'Major'

Other names

Cushion spurge 'Major', Euphorbia pilosa 'Major', Euphorbia polychroma 'Major', Greater cushion spurge, Greater cushion spurge, Greater many-coloured spurge

Genus

Euphorbia Euphorbia

Variety or Cultivar

'Major' _ 'Major' is a compact, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with upright stems bearing whorls of oval, dark green leaves and, in late spring and early summer, terminal clusters of bright yellow flowers surrounded by bright yellow-green bracts.

Native to

Garden origin

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Upright, Clump-forming

Toxicity

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

Awards

RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)

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Colour

Flower

Bright-yellow, Yellow-green in Spring; Yellow-green, Bright-yellow in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Cut back faded flower shoots to the base in late summer or early autumn. Cut back low in late summer if plant is flopping. This will encourage a bushier, branching habit and avoid an open, unsightly crown.

Propagation

Seed may not come true to type.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Division

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Euphorbia epithymoides 'Major' (Greater cushion spurge) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, City, Cottage/Informal, Gravel, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Underplanting

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained or moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Dislikes winter wet. Site in partial shade in areas with hot, humid summers. Drought tolerant once established but benefits from irrigation in hot, dry summers.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, 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, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Euphorbia epithymoides 'Major' (Greater cushion spurge)

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 epithymoides 'Major' (Greater cushion spurge)

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 epithymoides 'Major' (Greater cushion spurge)

Common pest name

Powdery mildew: cotton; Powdery mildew: eggplant; Powdery mildew: pepper; Powdery mildew: tomato

Scientific pest name

Leveillula taurica

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

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

3

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

3

General biosecurity comments

Believed to be present and no statutory action is being taken. Status needs to be confirmed by survey.

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/