Spurge (Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon')
Euphorbia dulcis 'Chameleon' Spurge offers striking purple foliage from spring to fall, thriving in dry, well-drained soils in Zones 5-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’, commonly known as Spurge, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial prized for its exceptional, year-round foliage color. This cultivar transforms the garden by emerging with dusky purple leaves that deepen to rich burgundy as the season progresses, offering fantastic contrast against greener companions. Grown for its tidy, compact mounding habit, this vibrant Spurge requires minimal effort once established, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice. Its unique coloring ensures that Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ provides structure and visual interest well beyond the typical bloom season, earning its place in perennial borders across suitable climates.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Yellow tinged with purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ is best achieved in humus-rich, well-drained soil. This Spurge demands sharply-drained conditions; overwatering can quickly prove fatal, especially when combined with humid summer conditions common in the southeastern U.S. Full sun promotes the best foliage color, though these plants appreciate some protection from the hottest afternoon sun in very hot climates.
Maintenance is generally low. While established plants exhibit good drought tolerance, they perform best with moderate, even moisture during dry spells. Fertilization is rarely necessary if planted in enriched soil. Since Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ does not readily self-seed in the landscape, deadheading spent flowers is not critical for population control, focusing your garden duty on site preparation and placement.
This Euro-native Spurge thrives where summers remain relatively cool. If you garden in hotter zones, ensure the soil drains perfectly and site the plant where it receives some afternoon relief from intense heat to maintain its vigor and foliage quality.
Landscape Uses
The striking, dark foliage of Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ makes it an indispensable accent plant. It functions beautifully as a specimen, tucked into groups along borders, or providing deep color within mixed borders. Consider planting this Spurge among lighter green hostas or silver foliage plants to maximize the contrast provided by its purple stems and leaves.
This cultivar performs well in containers or hanging baskets, adding a temporary splash of deep color before being moved to its final spot or overwintered indoors in colder regions. Because it handles poor, rocky soils, it is excellent for filling challenging spots where other perennials struggle, offering reliable coverage as a ground cover alternative. Always wear gloves when handling this plant due to its sap.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Euphorbia dulcis, sometimes commonly called spurge, is a bushy, compact, rhizomatous perennial that typically grows in a mound to 9-20” tall and as wide on erect stems clad with oblong to inversely lance-shaped dark green to bronze-green leaves (to 3” long). Flower bracts are greenish yellow. This plant is native to most of Europe. Unique to plants in the genus Euphorbia, the tiny flowers of this plant are not flowers in the traditional sense (they lack sepals and petals). Each flower structure contains only a single pistil (female) grouped with several single stamens (male) in a structure known as a cyathium. The cyathium is cupped by showy greenish-yellow involucre bracts. Although the pistils and stamens are ornamentally insignificant, the flower structure appears from a distance to sport yellow flowers which on closer inspection are nothing more than the showy bracts. Broken plant stems contain a toxic white milky sap which frequently acts as a significant irritant to skin, eyes and open cuts. All plant parts are poisonous if ingested. Genus name probably honors Euphorbus, physician to the King of Mauretania. Specific epithet means mild. Common name of spurge comes from the Old French espurge meaning to purge in reference to an old time use of plant sap as a purgative. ‘Chameleon’ is a showy purple-leaved cultivar. Leaves emerge dusky purple in spring, mature to a rich burgundy-purple by summer, and finally turn a deeper purple with reddish tinges in autumn. Stems are also purple. Insignificant flowers with showy greenish-yellow bracts appear in mid spring to early summer, with the bracts turning purple by fall.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
No known serious insect or disease problems plague this robust perennial. However, under suboptimal conditions or excessive moisture, Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ can show some susceptibility to pests like nematodes, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Guarding against fungal and bacterial diseases often involves ensuring sharp drainage, which is the foremost cultural requirement for success with this Spurge. Prompt removal of any afflicted foliage can help control minor outbreaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Spurge suitable for?
Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ is winter hardy and typically thrives in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ grow?
This plant generally matures to a height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, with a comparable spread between 1 and 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Spurge need?
This plant performs best in full sun, though it appreciates some light part shade, especially during the hottest parts of the summer day.
When does Spurge bloom?
Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ produces its distinctive bloom display, which features yellow tinged with purple bracts, from May into June.
Conclusion
The distinctive, year-round purple foliage of Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ offers unparalleled contrast and structure in perennial plantings while demanding low maintenance. Ensure your garden spot offers sharply drained soil and fits within USDA Zones 5-8 for the best results with this spectacular Spurge. Assess your site conditions now to plan the perfect location for this dark-leaved beauty next spring.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’, focus on plants that share its preference for dry to medium moisture and excellent drainage. Pale green or white-flowering perennials provide a stunning visual contrast against the deep burgundy leaves. Consider pairing this Spurge with plants like ornamental grasses that offer vertical texture, or low-growing Sedums that also champion dry soil conditions. Avoid plants that require consistently rich, moist garden beds, as this setup is contrary to the fundamental needs of this robust perennial.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring marks the time to clean up any remaining winter debris and enjoy the initial flush of dusky purple foliage as the Euphorbia dulcis ‘Chameleon’ awakens. Watering should be consistent but sparse as temperatures rise, focusing only on extended dry periods, as this Spurge hates wet feet. In mid-to-late spring, you will see the greenish-yellow flower bracts emerge. Minimal summer care involves only light watering if drought persists; fertilization is rarely needed. As autumn approaches, the foliage deepens in color, sometimes showing reddish tinges before winter dormancy begins, requiring no special winter preparation beyond ensuring the soil is not waterlogged entering the cold season.
