Euphorbia myrsinites (Broad-leaved glaucous spurge)

Botanical name

Euphorbia myrsinites

Other names

Broad-leaved glaucous spurge, Myrtle euphorbia , Donkeytail spurge, Blue spurge, Creeping spurge, Myrtle spurge

Genus

Euphorbia Euphorbia

Species

E. myrsinites - E. myrsinites is an evergreen perennial with trailing, leafy stems bearing spirally arranged, succulent, obovate to rounded, pointed, blue- to grey-green leaves and umbels of bright yellow-green flowers from late sprint to midsummer.

Native to

Central Asia, Southern Europe, Southwestern Asia

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Compact, Trailing

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

Yellow-green in Spring; Yellow-green in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Remove spent flowers. Evergreen but leaves tend to decline in cold winters. May be short-lived in warm winter climates.

Propagation methods

Basal cuttings, Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Euphorbia myrsinites (Broad-leaved glaucous spurge) will reach a height of 0.1m and a spread of 0.35m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Rock, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Gravel

Cultivation

Grow in light, dry, well-drained soil in full sun. Dislikes winter wet. Mulch with gravel to prevent rotting. Tends to self-seed freely.

Soil type

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

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

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 myrsinites (Broad-leaved glaucous 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 myrsinites (Broad-leaved glaucous 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 myrsinites (Broad-leaved glaucous spurge)

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/