Euphorbia sikkimensis (Sikkim spurge)

Botanical name

Euphorbia sikkimensis

Other names

Sikkim spurge

Genus

Euphorbia Euphorbia

Species

E. sikkimensis - E. sikkimensis is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial with upright leafy stems which are red-flushed as shoots. In mid summer to early autumn, it bears terminal clusters of acid-yellow flowers.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect, Spreading

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 in Summer; Bright-yellow in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific diseases

Grey mould

General care

Pruning

Cut back flowering shoots to ground level in late summer or autumn.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Euphorbia sikkimensis (Sikkim spurge) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.45m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Mediterranean

Cultivation

Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in light dappled shade.

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)

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Euphorbia sikkimensis (Sikkim 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 sikkimensis (Sikkim spurge)

Common pest name

Banded-winged whitefly

Scientific pest name

Trialeurodes abutiloneus

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

Polyphagous whitefly native to the Americas with the potential to introduce harmful viruses to the UK. EU regulation should be considered and further assessed by EPPO.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Euphorbia sikkimensis (Sikkim 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/