Euphorbia BLACKBIRD ('NOTHOWLEE' PP17178)

Common Name: Cushion Spurge

Selected for its dark foliage and compact, bushy habit, Blackbird is easily distinguished in the landscape and makes a dramatic specimen in large containers.

Tufts of dark red new growth top the clump of deep purple, evergreen foliage. UV exposure draws out the purple coloring, so if planted in more shade, the foliage is dark green.

In late spring, compact racemes of yellow-green bracts are produced on reddish stems just above the clump of contrasting purple foliage.

Height:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

(6),7,8,9,10

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold Shades

Foliage Color:

Purple shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Modern Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

In cooler zones, Spurge grows well in full sun. In warmer regions, it is best sited in part shade, avoiding afternoon sun. It prefers average, well-drained soil. 'Blackbird' typically does not need to be cut back after flowering. At the end of the season, it typically remains standing through the fall into early winter. Cut it back in early spring before new shoots emerge for a better flowering performance.

Use caution and wear gloves when handling this plant; it is POISONOUS if eaten and the sap can be a skin and eye irritant.

Awards

Plantarium Gold Medal -- 2004

Fun Facts

Perennial Euphorbias are in the same family as Poinsettias.

Characteristics

Height:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

(6),7,8,9,10

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold Shades

Foliage Color:

Purple shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Spring

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Modern Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Gardening Tips

Use caution and wear gloves when handling this plant; it is POISONOUS if eaten and the sap can be a skin and eye irritant.