Spurge (Euphorbia 'Nothowlee' BLACKBIRD)

Overview

Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD is a highly desirable hybrid Spurge cultivar celebrated for its intensely dark, near-black foliage, providing exceptional contrast in the spring garden. This herbaceous perennial forms tidy, upright clumps, reaching up to two feet high and wide, making it a fantastic structural element. While the actual flowers of this Spurge are small, they are accompanied by distinctive lime-green floral bracts that brighten the May to June blooming season.

Ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance drama, Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD thrives in conditions that mimic its preferred Mediterranean climate. The plant’s primary appeal lies in its rich, dusky coloration that maintains its pigment effectively, though sharp drainage is absolutely critical for its long-term success. This resilient selection offers year-round interest, often remaining evergreen in warmer zones, cementing its place as a modern staple.

This cultivar, known formally as Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD, handles dry spells well once established and is notably unbothered by deer. Incorporating this dark Spurge into borders or rock gardens instantly adds depth and texture, contrasting beautifully against lighter perennials.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The key cultural requirement for successfully growing Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD is excellent drainage. Plant this Spurge in well-drained soils, preferring dry to medium moisture levels, and locate it where it receives full sun. While it tolerates poor soils, including rocky or sandy types, avoid heavy clay or areas where water pools. If growing in very hot climates, providing a bit of afternoon shade can prevent stress, though excessive shade will cause the clumps to flop open, ruining the compact shape of Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD.

Watering should be minimal once the plant is established; overwatering, particularly during winter, is often fatal to this species. Fertilizing is rarely necessary, as Spurge generally performs well in average or even poor fertility. Pruning is usually limited to cutting back the faded flowering stalks if desired, though this isn’t mandatory for plant health.

As a hardy perennial, Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD generally requires little special winter preparation in its middle zones (Zones 6-7). In Zones 7 and above, expect the dark foliage to persist through the winter months, offering valuable evergreen color. Ensure spring cleanup focuses on removing any winter debris without disturbing the root crown too early.

Landscape Uses

Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD excels when used to define lines and provide textural contrast within structured plantings. It is perfectly suited for use in defined beds and traditional mixed borders, where its dark foliage can set off brighter colors like yellow daylilies or silver lamb’s ears. Its manageable size also makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, where sharp drainage is naturally provided by gravelly slopes.

Consider planting groups of three or five Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD along an edge for staggered visual impact, leveraging its upright habit. It pairs exceptionally well with structural, drought-tolerant companions such as ornamental grasses, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, or silvery Artemisia varieties. Because the foliage holds its color for so long, it provides an excellent foundation even before the lime-green spring blooms appear.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Euphorbia is a genus of about 2,000 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, trees, shrubs and succulents found in temperate, subtropical and tropical areas. All plant parts are toxic and can cause severe discomfort if eaten. The milky sap can cause skin irritation.Genus name probably honors Euphorbus, physician to the King of Mauretania. ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD is a hybrid spurge cultivar that features very dark purple-black foliage contrasted by lime green flowering clusters. The flowers themselves are small and insignificant, but they are surrounded by showy bracts. Forms compact, upright clumps reach up to 2’ tall with an equal spread. ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD was discovered growing among a nursery crop of Euphorbia ‘Charam’ REDWING. Plant patent number PP17178 applies to this cultivar.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

This Spurge generally resists serious issues with insects or diseases, contributing to its low maintenance appeal. However, gardeners must exercise caution when handling Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD. All parts of the plant contain a milky white sap that is toxic if ingested and can cause significant skin irritation or blistering upon contact; always wear gloves when pruning or transplanting. Deer actively avoid this plant due to this toxicity, making it a reliable choice for areas prone to browsing pressure. If contact with the sap occurs, wash the area immediately with soap and water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Spurge suitable for?

Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9, often maintaining its evergreen nature in the warmer end of that range.

How large does Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD grow?

This cultivar typically reaches a manageable size, growing 1 to 2 feet tall with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet, forming a compact clump.

What sun exposure does Spurge need?

This plant performs best when given full sun exposure, which helps maintain its dense, upright habit and intensifies the dark foliage color.

When does Spurge bloom?

The lime-green flower clusters of Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD generally appear in the late spring or early summer, specifically from May through June.

Conclusion

The unique deep purple-black foliage of Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD offers essential dramatic contrast and low-effort appeal for modern landscapes. This versatile Spurge thrives in tough, dry conditions, provided the drainage is sharp, making it an excellent anchor for sunny borders. Before planting, confirm your USDA hardiness zone compatibility and ensure your soil drains efficiently to enjoy this striking plant for years to come.

Companion Planting

When choosing neighbors for Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD, prioritize plants that share its love for bright sun and dry soil conditions. Avoid heavy feeders or plants that require consistently moist ground, as competition for water or overly wet roots will compromise the health of the Spurge. Excellent companions include Lavender (Lavandula spp.), which complements the texture and water needs, and various ornamental grasses like Blue Fescue (Festuca glauca) that echo its structural form.

For color contrast in the mid-border, pair the dark foliage of this Spurge with bright chartreuse or silver-leaved plants. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) create a striking visual pairing that enhances the lime-green bracts when Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD is in bloom.

Design Ideas

Utilize the architectural shape of this Spurge to provide visual anchors throughout a dry garden design. Consider mass planting drifts of Euphorbia ‘Nothowlee’ BLACKBIRD along a path edge; the low maintenance and deer resistance make it perfect for low-traffic areas where year-round structure is desired. Even in containers, it fares well, provided a fast-draining potting mix is used.

When designing mixed perennial beds, place the dark foliage toward the front or middle ground, allowing taller golden Coreopsis or bright red Geum varieties to emerge behind it. In a contemporary rock garden setting, the compact nature of this Spurge allows it to nestle beautifully among larger stones without overwhelming the arrangement.