Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) Euphorbia rigida
Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) (Euphorbia rigida) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Dry rocky slopes from Portugal and Morocco to Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
Plan Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Dry rocky slopes from Portugal and Morocco to Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: milky sap
The milky latex burns skin and can seriously damage the eyes: wear gloves and eye protection when cutting it.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge)
- How far apart should I plant Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) flower?
- From about March for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The milky latex burns skin and can seriously damage the eyes: wear gloves and eye protection when cutting it.
- What grows well with Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Upright myrtle spurge (gopher spurge). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Upright, then leaning stems spiralled with pointed, blue-grey succulent leaves, topped in early spring with heads of acid-yellow bracts that age to orange-red. A structural plant for gravel gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Cassava Manihot esculenta
- Croton Codiaeum variegatum
- Crown of thorns Euphorbia milii
- Poinsettia Euphorbia pulcherrima
- Pará rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis
- Mediterranean spurge Euphorbia characias
- Candlenut (kukui) Aleurites moluccanus
- Candelabra tree (naboom) Euphorbia ingens