Euphorbia polychroma
Euphorbia polychroma is a mound forming perennial with brilliant acid yellow flower bracts that emerge in spring and fade to coppery tones by summer. Its tidy dome shape and vibrant foliage shifts make it a garden highlight through multiple seasons. The foliage often tinges red in autumn adding end of year interest before dying back.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to poor soils
Watering Needs: Low once established; prefers drier conditions
Deer Resistance: Not palatable to deer or rabbits
Native Status
This species is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. It has become a staple ornamental in temperate gardens due to its spring color and tidy form.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to mining bees, sweat bees, and early visiting bumblebees during its prolonged spring bloom.
Butterflies
- Draws in small butterflies like Eastern Tailed Blues and Spring Azures that seek sunny open garden forage early in the season.
Beneficial Insects
- Bracts and stems provide habitat for hoverflies and tiny parasitic wasps which help control aphids and soft bodied pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow room for its mounded form to develop without crowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for rock gardens, dry borders, or at the front of perennial beds where spring color and textural contrast are desired.
Companion Plants
- Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) - Matches Euphorbia’s drought tolerance and contrasts in flower shape and height.
- Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) - Provides upright, edible foliage and spherical lavender flowers that complement Euphorbia’s domes.
- Festuca glauca 'Elijah Blue' (Blue Fescue) - Offers spiky blue foliage in a compact form, echoing Euphorbia’s symmetry.
- Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Cranesbill) - Forms loose mounds of deeply cut leaves and magenta flowers to extend the color season.
- Stachys byzantina (Lambs Ear) - Brings soft silver leaves and a fuzzy contrast to Euphorbia’s vivid texture.