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Euphorbia palustris (Marsh Spurge)

Marsh Spurge, Swamp Spurge, Marsh Euphorbia

AGM Award
Euphorbia Palustris, Marsh Spurge, Swamp Spurge, Marsh Euphorbia, Yellow flowers, Drought tolerant perennial, Deer resistant perennial, rabbit resistant perennial

Incredibly showy, fast, and easy to grow, Euphorbia palustris, commonly called Marsh Spurge or Marsh Euphorbia, is an upright, bushy, clump-forming herbaceous perennial that is perfect to brighten any border. It produces exceptionally eye-catching clusters of bright greenish-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer (depending on region), which last for months. The foliage of medium green leaves, elegantly radiating from exquisitely branched stems, turns to attractive shades of yellow or orange in fall, providing a long season of interest.

  • Typically grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm)
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Remaining attractive during all its growing season, this remarkable plant is resilient to most pests and diseases, is drought (once established), deer & rabbit tolerant, and is easy to care for.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade in medium to wet, well-drained soils. This species tolerates heavier soils than most other species of spurge. Wet soils, poor soils (including rock or sandy ones), and some soil dryness are also tolerated!
  • Perfect addition to beds, borders, bog gardens, cottage gardens, or Mediterranean Gardens. Great for containers too!
  • Propagate by seed sown in containers in spring. Propagate by division in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring or early summer; dip cut surfaces in charcoal or lukewarm water to prevent bleeding. Self-seeds freely if not deadheaded.
  • All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested. The milky sap may cause irritation to skin and eyes.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 6 - 7
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Euphorbia
Common names Euphorbia, Spurge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Rocky Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree)
Euphorbia horrida (African Milk Barrel)
Euphorbia caput-medusae (Medusa’s Head)
Euphorbia obesa (Baseball Plant)
Euphorbia resinifera (Resin Spurge)
Euphorbia mammillaris (Corncob Cactus)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lupinus ‘My Castle’ (Lupine)
Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’ (Bistort)
Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’ (Oriental Poppy)
Myosotis sylvatica (Wood Forget-Me-Not)
Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ (Siberian Iris)
Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ (Ornamental Onion)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 10
Heat Zones 6 - 7
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Euphorbiaceae
Genus Euphorbia
Common names Euphorbia, Spurge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Rocky Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Guides with
Euphorbia (Spurge)
Not sure which Euphorbia (Spurge) to pick?
Compare Now

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