Euphorbia Blackbird ('NOTHOWLEE' PP17178) |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Spurge-Cushion |
Selected for its dark foliage and compact, bushy habit, Blackbird is easily distinguished in the landscape and makes a dramatic specimen in large containers.
Tufts of dark red new growth top the clump of deep purple, evergreen foliage. UV exposure draws out the purple coloring, so if planted in more shade, the foliage is dark green.
In late spring, compact racemes of yellow-green bracts are produced on reddish stems just above the clump of contrasting purple foliage.
Intro Year: 2009
Breeder: Discovered by Mark Howard and Simon Leeding at Notcutts Nursery in Suffolk, England
Introducer: Plant Haven®
Parentage: Sport of E. Red Wing
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
18-24 Inches
Spread:
18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
Yellow Shades
Foliage Color:
Purple shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Low water needs
Average water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
Rabbit resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Late spring
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Modern
Rock Garden
Eclectic
In cooler zones, Spurge grows well in full sun. In warmer regions, it is best sited in part shade, avoiding afternoon sun. It prefers average, well-drained soil. 'Blackbird' typically does not need to be cut back after flowering. At the end of the season, it typically remains standing through the fall into early winter. Cut it back in early spring before new shoots emerge for a better flowering performance.
Use caution and wear gloves when handling this plant; it is POISONOUS if eaten and the sap can be a skin and eye irritant.
Perennial Euphorbias are in the same family as Poinsettias.