Blackbird Spurge

Near-black burgundy foliage is a dramatic backdrop for lime-green spring flower bracts, creating year-round dark elegance in sunny to part-shade borders and containers. (Euphorbia martinii 'Blackbird')

$25.00

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Euphorbia martinii ‘Blackbird’ is a striking evergreen perennial with deep burgundy-black foliage that adds bold contrast to the garden year-round. In spring, vivid chartreuse flower bracts shine against the dark leaves, creating a dramatic display. Heat and drought tolerant, deer resistant, and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for borders, rock gardens, and modern landscapes where standout color and structure are desired.

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

Type of Soil Neutral to alkaline

Mature Height 18 to 24 inches

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Low watering (once every 2 weeks)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Moderate; forms compact, bushy clumps Typically matures to 18–24 inches tall and wide
Colorful Leaves	Yes
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	Yellow , Green
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	Yes
Drought Tolerant	Yes
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Flowers attract bees, flies, and other beneficial pollinators Deer and rabbits generally avoid Euphorbia due to toxic sap
Self-pollinating	Cross-pollinating
Seasonality	Spring: fresh dark foliage and bracts appear Summer: peak bloom period, foliage maintains deep purple color Fall: foliage often deepens in tone with cooler nights Winter: semi-evergreen in most climates, may thin in harsh cold
Ideal For	– Rock gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, xeriscaping, mixed borders, modern landscapes, container accents, foliage contrast in perennial beds
Leaf Description	Narrow, lance-shaped foliage in deep, dark purple to almost black tones Foliage retains strong color through most of the year, especially in full sun Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on climate
Flower Description	Showy clusters of chartreuse-yellow bracts appear in spring through early summer Bracts create a dramatic contrast against dark foliage True flowers are tiny and hidden within the bracts
Pruning & Maintenance	Remove spent flowering stems down to the base after blooming to encourage new basal shoots Lightly shape the plant in midsummer if needed for tidiness Wear gloves when pruning—Euphorbia sap is irritating to skin and eyes In late winter to early spring, remove any winter-damaged stems
Water Needs	Low to moderate water needs Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from deep watering during prolonged dry spells Must have good drainage; excess moisture promotes root rot
Light Needs	Full sun is best for richest foliage color and strongest growth Tolerates very light partial shade, but foliage may appear greener and less vibrant
Harvesting	Not typically harvested; stems may be used for arrangements if sap is seared to stop bleeding Use gloves and caution due to toxic latex sap
Fertilizing	Low fertilizer needs; too much nitrogen causes weak growth and dull foliage Apply a light layer of compost in spring to refresh soil nutrients Avoid heavy feeding, which diminishes foliage color intensity
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Pollinated by insects, particularly bees and flies attracted to nectar-rich bracts Produces fertile seed capsules, though propagation is usually by cuttings for true-to-type plants
Companion Plants	Contrasts beautifully with silver, blue, or chartreuse foliage plants such as Artemisia, Festuca glauca, Carex elata ‘Aurea’, and Lavandula Complements drought-tolerant bloomers like Salvia, Coreopsis, Gaillardia, and Echinacea Works well with ornamental grasses such as Pennisetum, Stipa, or Panicum for texture contrast Ideal for rock gardens, Mediterranean-style beds, and mixed borders with succulents or xeric perennials