- Within the Euphorbia family are large trees, small trees, shrubs and ornamental annuals, many of which can be found in home gardens. Some of the most popular Euphorbia plants include poinsettias, Euphorbia ingens, baseball plants (Euphorbia obesa), crown of thorns, and petty spurge (Euphorbia peplus). Many of these different varieties are grown residentially as houseplants and have also been known to do well as ornamental plants when placed in pots, hanging baskets and window boxes.
- Many members of the Euphorbia family are considered ornamental for the plethora of showy flowers they yield. Spurges produce blooms that look like flowers but are actually called cyathiums, which are accompanied by bracts. These blooms contain glands that secrete nectar to aid in the pollination of the species. The nectar from the cyathiums also attracts butterflies and bees.
- Plants that fall within the Euphorbia family should be handled with care to avoid too much contact with the milky latex they contain. Symptoms of contact or consumption can range from mild irritation to fatality depending upon the variety of plant involved.
- Euphorbia plants are well-known for their rapid spreading and somewhat invasive nature. The succulents within this family can easily be propagated from cuttings while the spurges within the family are more commonly propagated by seed. If Euphorbia plants have spread beyond the area desired, they can be dug up, making sure to remove the entire root system of the excess plants.
- Euphorbia plants are sun-loving plants that thrive in well-drained soils. These adaptable and heat-tolerant plants do well in a wide range of soils, including dry, boggy or wet soils. Spurges produce an abundance of showy flowers while the succulents tolerate more extreme temperatures and conditions. Overall, plants within this family are low-maintenance and do not require annual pruning.
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