• Image of Euphorbia myrsinites taken at US Botanical Garden, DC by JLBG
    US Botanical Garden, DC by JLBG
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Euphorbia myrsinites

Blue Donkey-tail Spurge

Item #: 4041

Zones: 5a to 8b, at least

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 6" tall

Culture: Sun

Origin: Southern Europe

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


$21.00
$21.00
Sale Sold out
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Every spring during open house, visitors are fascinated by this bizarre evergreen perennial, blue donkey-tail spurge. Looking more like a sedum on Prozac than a member of the poinsettia family, Euphorbia myrsinites will certainly make visitors take notice. The snake-like flat stalks of succulent blue foliage curl outwards to 18" from the central rootstock. In March, the tips of the blue foliage are highlighted with terminal clusters of small yellow flowers. Native to sandy and gravelly mountain slopes, it's perfect in rock walls or meandering near the front of an open perennial border. Good winter drainage in colder areas is essential.

Maintenance:

About the only maintenance we recommend is to cut back the old flower stalks after flowering, and even that isn't required. If your plant ever become looking tired, then cut the entire clump to the ground, and if it isn't fall or winter, it will quickly resprout.

Growing Conditions:

Full sun, and well drained soils are the keys to success.

Garden Value:

Because it's a prostrate grower, it easily weaves in and around taller perennials as long as they aren't dense enough to provide too much shade. The blue foliage color is always welcome by garden designers who focus on color combinations.

Natural Impacts:

Bees are among many pollinator insects that appreciate the nectar of blue donkey's-tail spurge. One of the few areas, where it grows too well and has become slightly invasive is the Rocky Mountain regions, so if you're in this area, you should choose another plant.