Euphorbia and Poinsettias

How to choose a euphorbia

For colour, the poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are grown for bracts rather than flowers: Prestige Red is the classic, with Polar and Frozen in cream and white and Premium Ice Crystal in pink and cream. For structure, Firesticks grows pencil thin stems that turn orange and red in sun and cold, reaching about 2.5m. The cowboy cactus and candelabrum cactus are tall, ribbed columns to 3m or more, and Crown of Thorns flowers nearly all year on a compact, spiny shrub. For borders, Mediterranean spurge, Silver Swan and Glacier Blue form neat domes of blue grey foliage topped with lime or cream flower heads in late winter and spring.

Where euphorbias work

The succulent forms want full sun, sharp drainage and little water, and suit gravel gardens, large pots and frost free courtyards. They belong with our other succulents. The spurges handle frost and dry summers and are at home in southern gardens, in sun or light shade. Poinsettias grow outdoors as large shrubs in frost free districts and colour naturally in winter; elsewhere keep them as pot plants in a bright, warm spot. All of them are good drought tolerant plants.

Planting and spacing

Plant succulent euphorbias in raised or sloping ground, or in a cactus and succulent mix in pots. Give Firesticks at least 1m of room. Space border spurges 60cm to 80cm apart. Do not over water after planting: water in once, then only when the soil has dried.

Care basics

All euphorbias bleed a milky sap when cut. It irritates skin and eyes, so wear gloves and glasses when pruning and wash your hands afterwards. Cut spurge flower stems to the base once they finish to make way for new shoots. Trim poinsettias by a third after the bracts fade. Feed lightly in spring; these are not hungry plants.

Common questions

Can poinsettias grow outside in Australia?

Yes, in frost free areas. Planted in the ground in a warm, sunny spot they become shrubs 2m or more tall and colour in winter.

Why does Firesticks change colour?

The stems turn orange and red in full sun, cool weather and dry conditions. In shade or with heavy watering it stays green.

Is euphorbia sap harmful?

The milky sap is an irritant. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, wear gloves when cutting and keep cut stems away from children and pets.

Do euphorbias need much water?

No. Once established most need watering only in long dry spells. Poinsettias in pots are the exception and like even moisture.