Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae - WOOD SPURGE

Groundcovering, slowly spreading perennial, adaptable to shade and dry shade conditions. Low maintenance and 100% deer resistant.

This largely evergreen perennial has dark green leathery foliage that contrasts sharply with the yellow/yellow-green "flowers" that appear in late spring through early summer (evergreen in milder areas or sheltered positions).

What appear to be blooms are really specially-colored leaves or bracts which remain ornamental even after the true flowers have faded. This plant can tolerate many conditions, making it a good ground cover for dry shade, including in poor soil. It spreads by rhizomes and will self-seed as well, unless deadheading occurs before the seeds disperse. Tolerates drought, air pollution and saline. The milky sap exuded when the plant is harmed is moderately toxic if ingested by animals or humans.

Excellent for use in borders as well as cottage and rock gardens. The subspecies name and common names (Mrs. Robb’s Hatbox and Robb's Euphorbia) honor plant collector and botanist Mary Ann Robb (1829-1912) who found this plant growing in a wooded area near Istanbul, Turkey and used her hat box to carry cuttings and seeds back to her garden in Liphook, Hampshire in 1891. Furthermore, the common name of "spurge" comes from a Latin word referencing a purgative; this describes the traditional medicinal use of many spurges.

Blooming Time: April - May/June
Size: up to 2' tall x 1.5' wide
USDA Zones: 6 to 8
Culture: full sun to part shade or dappled shade, sharply-drained soil, tolerates poor, rocky, and sandy soils
Moisture Needs: dry to average
Origin: Europe, western Asia and the Mediterranean; grows naturally along woodland edges
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes / yes
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 4" deep pot
Plant Combinations: Best use is as a groundcover in half sun to half shade, dappled shade, dry or drier shade, under trees and bigger shrubs, in woodland edges - tolerates the root competition. Good combos are with Actaea (Cimicifuga), Alchemilla, Asarum, Anemone japonica, Aster divaricatus (and other woodland asters), Bergenia, Brunnera, Digitalis, Chrysogonum virginicum, Epimedium, hardy Geraniums, Helleborus, Heuchera, Hosta (with average moisture), Maianthemum (Smilacina), Polygonatum, grasses like Hakonechloa or Carex. Can be used with sun perennials too.
Picture Copyright : US Perennials nursery