Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Purpurea'

Nectar-rich bracts attract bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators in spring.

Deer and rabbits generally avoid it due to the bitter sap.

Main bloom: Mid-spring through early summer.

Foliage interest: Year-round in mild climates; winter tones deepen to burgundy.

– Woodland gardens, shaded borders, perennial beds, mixed containers, underplanting for trees or shrubs, and contrast plant for colorful foliage displays

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.

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.

Choose a site with well-drained soil—this plant dislikes sitting in water.

Performs best in moderately fertile, moist but free-draining soil, either neutral or slightly alkaline.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot, loosen the base soil, and mix in compost or fine bark for aeration.

Set the crown level with the surrounding soil surface, backfill, and water in thoroughly.

Apply a light mulch layer (1–2 inches) around but not over the crown to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.