Grey Hedgehog Little Fir Spurge

Grey Hedgehog Little Fir Spurge (Euphorbia pithyusa 'Grey Hedgehog') is a small evergreen perennial that forms a soft mound about 40cm high and 40cm wide. Feathery blue-grey leaves are whorled around the central stems and tipped with lime-green flowers in summer, and the lower leaves turn pink in winter. It tolerates frost, drought and heat, and asks for almost no care.

Why you'll love it

• Soft blue-grey foliage. The fine, feathery leaves are silvery blue and soft to the touch.
• Lime-green summer flowers. Bright lime flower heads tip the stems in summer, and the lower leaves turn pink in winter.
• As tough as it is pretty. It tolerates frost, drought and heat, and grows in almost any soil, even dry and stony ground.
• A summer alternative to dwarf conifers. Where it is hot and dry, it gives the same soft blue-grey texture as a dwarf conifer.
• Almost no maintenance. No pruning is needed. It may self seed, but the seedlings are easy to weed out.

Where it works best

Cottage and mixed beds. Plant 40cm apart in a drift at the front of a bed, where its soft mound sits well against taller flowers.

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Dry, stony ground suits it, and the blue-grey foliage looks good against rock and gravel.

Wildlife and kitchen gardens. It fits easily into a kitchen garden or a wildlife planting, though keep it away from where children and pets play, because of the sap.

Growing Grey Hedgehog Little Fir Spurge in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to partial shade. It tolerates frost, drought and heat, although it dies back in cold winters.

Soil. Rich, well-drained soil suits it best, but it also grows in almost any soil type, even dry and stony ground.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it needs very little.

Pruning. No pruning is needed. Like all euphorbias it has an irritant sap, so wear gloves and wash your hands after handling it.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Grey Hedgehog Little Fir Spurge as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, soft-leaved plant that forms its mound over the first season.

Grey Hedgehog Little Fir Spurge tube stock is supplied by our grower, so it is not always on hand. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page will email you the day it returns. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Euphorbia and poinsettias
• Rockery plants
• Drought tolerant plants
• Perennials for a cottage garden

Common questions

Is it safe for pets and children?

No. Like all euphorbias, it has an irritant sap that is toxic, so keep it away from pets that chew plants and from young children, and wash your hands after handling.

Will it survive frost and cold winters?

It tolerates frost, but it dies back in cold winters, so do not be alarmed if the mound shrinks in the cold months.