Spurge (Euphorbia ‘Froeup’ Excalibur)

Spurge

Features and Characteristics

Euphorbia is a genus of about 2,000 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs and succulents found in temperate, subtropical and tropical areas. All plant parts are toxic and can cause severe discomfort if eaten. The milky sap can cause skin irritation.

Genus name probably honors Euphorbus, physician to the King of Mauretania.

EXCALIBUR is a clump-forming perennial that is noted for its attractive foliage and long lasting flowers (actually yellow bracts). It typically grows to 3’ tall. Red-tinted early spring foliage. Mature green leaves have a light yellow central midrib. Yellow flowers in corymbs appear in summer with long-lasting pale yellow bracts. Pink stems turn deeper red in autumn.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. However, clumps tend to open up and lose their attractive shape in too much shade. Must have sharply-drained soils. Wet soils, particularly in winter, can be fatal. Plants are tolerant of some poor soils, including rocky-sandy ones. Plants generally prefer a Mediterranean-type climate and may show some stress in hot and humid summers.

EXCALIBUR may not be reliably winter hardy in the St. Louis area where plants are best sited in a protected location.

Spurge (Euphorbia ‘Froeup’ Excalibur) Requirements

Hardiness zone	6 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Use gloves when working with this plant. Some gardeners experience skin rashes from contact with the toxic plant sap of euphorbias. Deer tend to avoid this plant.

Uses

Beds, borders and rock gardens.

Spurge (Euphorbia ‘Froeup’ Excalibur) Details

Common name	Spurge
Botanical name	Euphorbia 'Froeup' Excalibur
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Euphorbiaceae
Hardiness zone	6 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Yellow
Flowering period	June - July
Height	2 - 3 Ft.
Width	1.50 To 2 Ft.