Spurge (Euphorbia hypericifolia 'Inneuphe' DIAMOND FROST)

Overview

Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST, commonly known as Spurge, is highly valued for its abundant, airy display of white-bracted flowers that persist from spring until fall. This compact, bushy plant creates a fine texture reminiscent of baby’s breath, making it incredibly versatile in the garden landscape. It functions excellently as a tropical or semi-tropical perennial in warmer regions or as a highly productive annual elsewhere.

The appeal of this Spurge lies in its low maintenance requirements paired with its continuous bloom power. It thrives in bright conditions, preferring full sun but tolerating part shade, especially in the hottest climates. Gardeners should note its need for sharply-drained soil, as overwatering can quickly lead to plant demise.

This cultivar, often marketed as DIAMOND FROST, provides superior uniformity and prolific flowering compared to the parent species. Whether used as a filler in containers or planted in mass for borders, Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST delivers ethereal white accents across the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 0.75-1 ft
• Bloom Time: Flowers freely
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST should occur after all danger of frost has passed if treating it as an annual, or anytime in Zones 10-12. Sharp drainage is non-negotiable; incorporate amendments like grit or coarse sand into the soil if your native medium is heavy clay. While technically a perennial, it is frequently grown as an annual across most of the continental U.S. because it will not survive winter temperatures outside of Zones 10-12.

Watering requirements are decidedly on the dry side once established, leaning towards medium moisture only during intense summer heat. Avoid consistent saturation, as overwatering is fatal to this Spurge. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the plant is growing in reasonable soil, aligning with its low maintenance profile.

If you live in a region where the plant is not winter hardy, you can successfully overwinter containers indoors near a sunny window. Before the first fall frost, prune back the stems before bringing containers inside. In spring, cut the stems back again after the last frost date before moving the containers back outside.

Landscape Uses

The fine, airy texture of Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST makes it an exceptional specimen plant, excellent for softening hard edges in perennial borders, or providing continuous interest in containers and hanging baskets. Its bright white bracts beautifully contrast with darker foliage plants or vibrant summer annuals like petunias or coleus. Because it requires little coddling once established, it works well in mixed plantings where other companions might be more demanding.

Consider using this Spurge as a mass planting to create a cloud-like effect, functioning almost like a living groundcover in warmer climates where it can establish itself. Its compact, upright mound shape (12-20” tall) means it won’t overwhelm smaller plantings. Due to the toxic white milky sap exuded when stems are broken, always wear gloves when pruning or handling this plant.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Euphorbia hypericifolia, sometimes commonly called graceful spurge or baby’s breath euphorbia, is a bushy compact plant that is noted for producing an abundant, non-stop, spring-to-fall bloom of showy white-bracted flowers. The visible white structures are actually large floral bracts subtending insignificant flowers, often mistaken for petals. Gardeners should exercise caution, as broken stems release a toxic white milky sap that irritates skin and is poisonous if ingested.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

This Spurge cultivar has no known serious insect or disease problems under normal conditions. The primary threat to the plant’s health is cultural, specifically improper watering. Gardeners must ensure the soil remains sharply-drained at all times; persistent wet feet or sitting in standing water will cause rapid decline, often mistaken for disease.

If growing in hot, arid regions, monitor moisture during dry spells, although the plant tolerates drought well. In tropical climates, be aware that Euphorbia hypericifolia can exhibit invasive tendencies, acting as a persistent weed in certain agricultural settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Spurge suitable for?

Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST is winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 12. In regions colder than Zone 10, it is best treated as an annual or grown temporarily indoors.

How large does Spurge grow?

This plant typically forms an upright mound reaching 1 to 1.5 feet in height and spreads approximately 0.75 to 1 foot wide. This gives it a useful, airy size perfect for containers or borders.

What sun exposure does Spurge need?

This Spurge prefers full sun, but growers in extremely hot summer climates should ensure it receives some part afternoon shade to prevent stress while maintaining excellent bloom production.

When does Spurge bloom?

This Spurge blooms freely throughout the entire spring-to-fall season, offering a reliable display of its showy white bracts.

Conclusion

The Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST, or ‘DIAMOND FROST’ Spurge, is unmatched for its low-maintenance habit and nonstop, cloud-like white summer flowers. Its excellent drought and pollution tolerance add to its reliability in tough spots, though it critically requires sharp drainage. Before planting, confirm that your local environment falls within USDA Zones 10-12, or plan to treat this beautiful herbaceous perennial as a spectacular seasonal annual.

Companion Planting

When selecting companions for Spurge, prioritize plants that share the love of well-drained soil and full to partial sun. Excellent pairings include succulents, cacti, or other drought-tolerant bedding plants that won’t require consistent heavy watering. Consider pairing the airy white texture of Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST with deep purple or bright red annuals, such as dark leaf basil or calibrachoa, to make the white “froth” truly stand out in a container arrangement.

Plants that prefer consistently moist soil, such as many ferns or hostas, should be avoided unless they are in a separate bed, as the slightest hint of overwatering will negatively affect the Spurge. Focus on sun-loving, water-wise partners to ensure the entire planting thrives throughout the summer.

Design Ideas for Mixed Containers

For container designs, utilize the ‘Thriller, Filler, Spiller’ method, positioning Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Inneuphe’ DIAMOND FROST as the ideal “Filler.” Its mounding habit and fine texture will weave elegantly between a tall central feature (Thriller, perhaps a small ornamental grass) and trailing plants over the edge (Spiller, such as sweet potato vine or creeping Jenny).

In mixed containers, remember the white bracts of this Spurge act as a neutralizer, allowing bolder colors around it to shine without becoming jarring. A combination of purple fountain grass, hot pink geraniums, and the delicate white of the Spurge creates a highly sophisticated, dynamic display that lasts all season long. Because the Spurge stays compact, it allows the thriller and spiller elements to dominate the overall profile.