Euphorbia martinii 'Blackbird'

Flowers attract bees, flies, and other beneficial pollinators

Deer and rabbits generally avoid Euphorbia due to toxic sap

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

– Rock gardens, Mediterranean-style plantings, xeriscaping, mixed borders, modern landscapes, container accents, foliage contrast in perennial beds

• Narrow, lance-shaped foliage in deep, dark purple to almost black tones
  
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  Foliage retains strong color through most of the year, especially in full sun
  
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  Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on climate
  

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

Plant in sharply drained, moderately fertile soil; adapts well to sandy, gravelly, or rocky conditions

Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils to prevent crown and root rot

Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow clumps to form without overcrowding

Position crown at soil level; avoid planting too deep

Best planting time is spring or early fall to allow roots to establish before extremes of heat or cold

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

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

Full sun is best for richest foliage color and strongest growth

Tolerates very light partial shade, but foliage may appear greener and less vibrant

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

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

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

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