The more than 2,000 different subspecies of the plant genus Euphorbia (English: spurge family) worldwide are not only visually very diverse, but also differ in their requirements in terms of location and care. Since spurge plants have their natural distribution areas across different climate zones and regions of the earth, general statements about frost sensitivity can only be made to a very limited extent.

The Euphorbia helioscopia is hardy

Certain spurge species are better cultivated indoors year-round

Various species of Euphorbia come from tropical and subtropical natural landscapes and desert areas in which the climate is significantly warmer all year round than in Central Europe. Accordingly, the following spurge species, for example, can react not only to minus degrees, but also to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius:

  • the cactus spurge
  • the triangular spurge
  • the pencil bush

Even the so-called magic snow is not hardy outdoors and must be protected over the winter indoors. These Euphorbia species are therefore either cultivated in the room or conservatory all year round, or set up as tub plants on the terrace during the summer and relocated to the winter quarters in good time in the autumn.

The hardy varieties are optically simpler

In fact, there are also spurge plants that can withstand temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees Celsius outdoors. These differ optically but clearly from the cactus-like relatives. These perennial spurge plants can be planted out in a suitable location in a gravel perennial bed:

  • Euphorbia helioscopia
  • Euphorbia peplus
  • Euphorbia myrsinites
  • Euphorbia palustris
  • Euphorbia marginata

The growth height of these spurge species is usually significantly less than 1 m. In contrast to the succulent houseplants of the genus, the listed spurge species in the garden bed like to be rather moist and nutrient-rich.

Avoid pruning in autumn

The hardy euphorbia should only be cut back in autumn if it is a species that completely moves into the ground for the winter. With the other garden euphorbias, on the other hand, the plant material should remain as complete as possible, as it offers a certain degree of frost protection for the root area. A necessary pruning can then be done more gently in spring.

tips

The hardy euphorbia species are also characterized by the characteristically milky plant sap. Therefore, a certain protection against the ingredients of the poisonous milky juice should always be ensured during care measures.

Category:

Indoor plants