Euphorbia – Helena’s Blush – Wood Spurge – Euphorbia amygdaloides hybrid
Award Winner
Drought Tolerant
Fall Interest
Maintenance Notes
These plants begin blooming in early spring and by late spring to early summer they are done. Deadheading won't keep them blooming longer. However, removing the old flowers once the plant has finished blooming will encourage the plant to branch more and the next spring you should see an increase in flowers thanks to a better branched plant.
Perennial Euphorbias should be pinched or topped down to 4 to 6 inches above the ground in mid spring. This will give the plant time to branch and develop enough body and structure to bear the winter's cold. As the temperature drops in the fall and early winter flower buds initiate that will bloom in spring (providing the winter has been mild enough not to freeze the dormant buds.) You can protect the plant from these winter temperature fluctuations with heavy mulch or even rose cones.
Plants in the spurge family often will bleed a milky, white sap if cut or wounded. This sap is a form of latex. Most people will have little or no reaction due to sap exposure from the euphorbia that Proven Winners sells. However, people with sensitive skin or latex allergies should be cautious when handling euphorbia. Poinsettias are in this same family. If you have ever experienced a skin irritation due to contact with poinsettias you should be cautious with all euphorbia.
Uses Notes
Plant alone or in combinations in all container types and landscapes
Maintenance Category Easy
Water Category Average
Bloom Time
Flower Form Container, Landscape
pH B - pH 5.8 - 6.2
EC (2:1 Extraction Method) 0.6 - 0.9
Fertilization 150 - 200
Light Requirements High
Water Requirements Moderate to Moist
Rooting Out Temperature 65 - 72° Fahrenheit
Growing On Temperature 60 - 70° Fahrenheit
Holding Temperature 40 - 50° Fahrenheit
Planting and Timing Information
Early Spring through Fall Finish. Standard PPP.
Finishing Times [weeks]
4-5" and Quart Pot : 6-8
6" and Gallon Pot : 8-10
7-9" Pot : 8-10
10-12" and Two Gallon Pot : 10-12
Pinching and Growth Regulators
No pinch necessary but plants can be pinched if desired. Florel is effective at increasing branching.
Plants at saleable size can be held using cold temperature.
Pest and Disease Management
General pest and disease practices as listed in notes.
Grower Tips
-For Fall Magic production grow under light shade especially under high heat conditions.
Plants that are allowed to bulk up over the winter will flower in the spring of the first season. Those plants brought in for spring production without vernalization will not bloom uniformly until the next season.
Plants in the spurge family often will bleed a milky, white sap if cut or wounded. This sap is a form of latex. Most people will have little or no reaction due to sap exposure from the euphorbia that Proven Winners sells. However, people with sensitive skin or latex allergies should be cautious when handling euphorbia. Poinsettias are in this same family. If you have ever experienced a skin irritation due to contact with poinsettias you should be cautious with all euphorbia.
