Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Euphorbia stygiana
Azores Spurge
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Height
- 36–60 in
- Width
- 36–48 in
- Flower color
- Dark maroon to near black glands with chartreuse bracts
- Foliage color
- Deep green evergreen leaves with subtle reddish midrib tones
- Bloom time
- Late spring through early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering and protect from severe frost
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 9–11
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinating insects
About this plant
Euphorbia stygiana forms bold rosettes of glossy, dark green leaves carried on sturdy stems, creating a deep-toned presence through the year. In late spring to early summer, broad clusters of greenish chartreuse bracts with burgundy glands surround small central flowers. Subtle reddish tones may appear along stems and leaf margins as the season progresses.
Endemic to the Azores in the North Atlantic, it reflects the mild, ocean-shaped climate of volcanic islands where it evolved on sheltered slopes and in open woodland. Steady evergreen growth and measured flowering lend lasting structure to borders, coastal gardens, and protected urban plantings across changing seasons.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Windcliff Garden.
