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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Euphorbia stygiana

Azores Spurge

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring through early summer

Find this plant

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.