Cypress Spurge flowers

Cypress Spurge flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Cypress Spurge foliage

Cypress Spurge foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Description:

Resembling mini cypress trees, this variety features umbel like clusters of chartreuse-yellow colored flowers; well branched with a spreading habit, ideal for borders and groundcover; drought tolerant and low maintenance

Ornamental Features

Cypress Spurge has masses of beautiful cymes of lime green flowers with red overtones and chartreuse bracts at the ends of the stems from mid spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Cypress Spurge is an herbaceous perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Invasive

Cypress Spurge is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Cypress Spurge will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 8 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. It can be propagated by division.