Robb’s Spurge
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Approximately 1,500 species of euphorbia occur throughout the world. Some are mere weeds, while others are good garden plants. The poinsettia is the most common euphorbia in the US.
Most euphorbias prefer full sun, well drained soil and dislike humidity, therefore perform poorly in the south. One exception is Robb’s Spurge, Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae.
Robb’s spurge is one of the easiest and most dependable of all euphorbias to grow in Tennessee. Unlike most of its temperamental cousins, once established it will be with you for a lifetime.
The spoon shaped, dark green, glossy leathery leaves are arranged in tight rosettes on the stems. In early spring, yellow-green bracts and flowers appear on stalks 8-12 inches above the foliage and last for several weeks. Flower stalks can be removed once faded if desired.
Robb’s spurge grows in a wide range of conditions in shade to part sun. It spreads by underground rhizomes and makes a great evergreen ground cover. In just a few years it can form a thick patch preventing many weeds from growing. This euphorbia multiplies most rapidly in well drained moist rich soil, but will grow well in average to dry soil typically found under trees. Robb’s spurge may be a little too aggressive for general use in the perennial border, but is a good candidate for problem areas. It makes a good substitute for groundcovers such as English ivy, vinca vine, monkey grass and pachysandra.
Robb’s spurge is beautiful in the shade garden paired with woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata) or forming a skirt around the beautiful chartreuse foliage of ‘Little Honey’ oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Honey') or ‘Florida Sunshine’ anise shrub (Illicium parviflorum ‘Florida Sunshine’).
As with most euphorbias, the milky sap can cause skin and eye irritations and should not be ingested. These very attributes make the plant virtually pest free and deer resistant.
Robb’s spurge is not always easy to find, but well worth seeking out for your garden.
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