Miner's Merlot Spurge

Moderate; forms clumps that slowly expand with age

Mature size about 18–24 inches tall and wide

• Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
  
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  Deer and rabbits generally avoid Euphorbia due to irritating sap
  

• Spring: fresh burgundy foliage emerges, followed by flower bracts
  
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  Summer: peak bract display; foliage maintains strong color
  
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  Fall: foliage continues with merlot tones, may deepen with cool nights
  
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  Winter: semi-evergreen; in mild climates holds foliage, in colder zones may die back
  

– Rock gardens, xeriscaping, Mediterranean gardens, modern borders, mixed perennial beds, mass plantings for color contrast, low-maintenance landscapes

Deep merlot to burgundy foliage, lance-shaped and narrow, creating rich color contrast in beds

Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on climate; may fade slightly in extreme heat or cold

Clusters of chartreuse to yellow-green bracts appear in late spring to early summer

Bracts contrast strongly with dark foliage, creating a vivid two-tone effect

True flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, hidden within the bracts

Deadhead spent bracts to tidy and prolong foliage effect

Cut back old stems after flowering to encourage fresh new growth

Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap can irritate skin and eyes

Low to moderate water once established

Drought tolerant, but performs best with occasional deep watering during long dry periods

Avoid soggy soils; excessive moisture increases risk of crown rot

Full sun is ideal for deepest foliage color and strong flowering

Can tolerate very light partial shade, but foliage may be less vibrant

Not grown for harvest; cut stems can be used in floral arrangements but require care due to sap

To use as cut flowers, sear ends of stems with flame or hot water to stop sap flow

• Low fertility needs; too much fertilizer encourages leggy growth
  
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  Apply a light top-dressing of compost in spring to refresh soil
  
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  Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which reduce foliage color intensity
  

Flowers are insect-pollinated, attracting bees, flies, and other beneficial insects

Euphorbia flowers are specialized “cyathia” with showy bracts rather than petals

Combines well with silver- or blue-foliaged perennials such as Artemisia, Perovskia, Stachys byzantina, and Lavandula

Works beautifully with ornamental grasses like Festuca glauca or Pennisetum

Striking alongside drought-tolerant bloomers like Salvia, Gaillardia, Coreopsis, and Echinacea

Excellent in xeriscape, Mediterranean, and modern mixed borders