Purple Wood Spurge

Rich burgundy-purple foliage and chartreuse-yellow spring flower bracts create a striking colour combination in shade or part-sun borders, with reliable winter evergreen interest. (Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea')

$25.00

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Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its deep purple-bronze foliage and vivid chartreuse spring blooms. Compact and low maintenance, it thrives in sun or partial shade and adds bold contrast to borders, woodland gardens, and mixed containers. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and easy to grow, this elegant spurge provides year-round color and texture with minimal care.

In stock (200)

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Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunlight Bright light to partial shade

Type of Soil Alkaline to neutral

Mature Height 12 to 18 inches

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Moderate; forms dense clumps over several seasons through short creeping rhizomes. Mature size around 12–18 inches tall and wide.
Colorful Leaves	Yes
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	Yellow
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	Yes
Drought Tolerant	Yes
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Nectar-rich bracts attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators in spring. Deer and rabbits generally avoid it due to the bitter sap.
Self-pollinating	Self-pollinating
Seasonality	Main bloom: Mid-spring through early summer. Foliage interest: Year-round in mild climates; winter tones deepen to burgundy.
Ideal For	– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, perennial beds, mixed containers, underplanting for trees or shrubs, and contrast plant for colorful foliage displays
Leaf Description	Evergreen to semi-evergreen leaves that are lance-shaped and glossy, emerging deep purple-bronze and often maturing to a dusky greenish-purple. Foliage color intensifies in cool weather, adding strong winter interest.
Flower Description	Bright chartreuse-yellow bracts (true flowers are tiny within them) form dense clusters above the purple stems in spring to early summer. The vivid contrast of greenish-yellow blooms against dark stems and foliage makes a striking display.
Pruning & Maintenance	After flowering (late spring to early summer), cut back flowered stems to the base—this encourages new purple shoots and keeps the clump compact. Wear gloves when pruning; Euphorbia sap is milky and can irritate skin or eyes. Remove old or damaged leaves at any time to maintain a neat appearance.
Water Needs	Prefers moderate, regular moisture, particularly during establishment. Once mature, it becomes fairly drought tolerant, especially in partial shade. Avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage to prevent crown rot.
Light Needs	Thrives in partial shade to full sun; best leaf color (rich purple tones) develops with some sun exposure. Tolerates deeper shade, though foliage becomes more green than purple.
Harvesting	Not a harvesting plant; not edible or used for cut-flower arrangements (sap can be irritating). Produces small seed capsules that can self-sow mildly in favorable conditions, though not aggressively. Seeds are not ornamental and are rarely collected intentionally.
Fertilizing	Generally low feeder; too much fertilizer can reduce foliage color intensity. Apply a small amount of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring or topdress with compost. Avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas which promote leggy green growth.
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Flowers are insect-pollinated, especially by bees and hoverflies. Plant is self-fertile but not primarily grown for seed; ornamental value is in the bracts and foliage.
Companion Plants	Shade companions: Helleborus, Heuchera, Tiarella, Brunnera, and Pulmonaria. Sun-border companions: Nepeta, Salvia, Sedum, Geranium, and ornamental grasses. Woodland pairings: Ferns, Epimedium, and Hostas blend beautifully with its dusky foliage. Works well with silver or chartreuse foliage plants (e.g., Carex ‘Evergold’, Hakonechloa ‘Aureola’) for contrast.