Spurge (Euphorbia 'Blue Haze')

Overview

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ Spurge is highly valued by horticulturists for its striking, narrowly lance-shaped foliage, which maintains a distinct powder-blue color contrasted by rich red stems. This herbaceous perennial forms a dense, compact mound, offering excellent texture and year-round interest, particularly in warmer zones where it remains evergreen. It is a robust, low-maintenance addition perfect for gardeners seeking reliable structure in challenging sunny sites.

The visual appeal of Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ is further enhanced by its early summer display of chartreuse-yellow bracts surrounding tiny yellow flowers, providing a welcome burst of color against the blue leaves. Originating from a cross involving Euphorbia seguieriana, this variety exhibits excellent drought tolerance once established, reducing water demands significantly. It thrives where many other ornamentals struggle, provided drainage is excellent.

Gardeners appreciate the resilience of this Spurge due to its noted resistance to deer and rabbits, making it a functional choice for mixed plantings bordering natural areas. Whether used as ground cover or for edging, Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ delivers reliable performance with minimal fuss, solidifying its place as a modern landscape staple.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1.5-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal health, plant Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ in a location receiving full sun, though some protection from the harshest afternoon heat can benefit it in extremely hot climates. The most critical requirement for this Spurge is sharply-drained soil; wet soils, especially during the winter months, are often fatal to the plant. While tolerant of poor, rocky, or sandy soils, ensure any amendments applied do not impede water percolation away from the crown.

Watering should be kept to a dry to medium schedule. Once established, the drought tolerance of Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ means supplemental watering is rarely needed outside of prolonged dry spells. Avoid the temptation to overwater or amend with rich compost, as this plant prefers lean, well-drained conditions, reflecting its Mediterranean-type climate preference.

Maintenance for this variety is generally low. There is no significant pruning required outside of removing spent flower stalks if you wish to neaten the appearance, though this is often unnecessary. Clumps can sometimes thin out or “open up” in the center if placed in too much shade, so ensure adequate sunlight exposure is maintained to keep its attractive, compact mound shape.

Landscape Uses

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ is perfectly suited for roles where ground cover is needed, quickly forming a dense, visually interesting mat measuring up to two feet wide. Its suitability for borders is excellent, providing a low, neat edge that contrasts beautifully with neighboring plants sporting darker green or warmer-toned foliage. It also excels in rock gardens where sharp drainage is naturally provided by gravels and stones.

Due to its tolerance for dry soil and air pollution, this Spurge is an extremely practical choice for difficult areas, like slopes or near pathways where runoff or lean conditions prevail. Consider pairing Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ with later-blooming perennials, such as salvias or catmint, whose mid-to-late summer colors will emerge as the Euphorbia’s primary bloom fades. The blue-gray foliage creates a cooling effect against hot colors like red and orange.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

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. ‘Blue Haze’ specifically is distinguished by narrowly lance-shaped, powder-blue foliage on red stems and small clusters of tiny, yellow flowers surrounded by prominent, chartreuse-yellow to soft yellow bracts. It forms a compact, semi-spreading mound that is evergreen in warmer climates and was awarded United States Plant Patent PP#14,868 in 2004.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

This Spurge is generally robust, exhibiting no serious insect or disease problems when grown in appropriate, well-drained conditions. The primary concern for gardeners is handling the plant itself; always wear gloves when working around Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’. This precaution is necessary because the milky sap that exudes from cut stems is toxic and can cause significant skin irritation or rashes upon contact.

Deer instinctively avoid this plant due to the sap toxicity, offering a significant benefit in deer-prone landscapes. Gardeners should focus management efforts on cultural care, chiefly ensuring excellent drainage to prevent root rot, which is the most common cause of plant decline in this species.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Spurge suitable for?

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ is generally suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 10.

How large does Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ grow?

This variety typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet and spreads to a width of 1.5 to 2 feet, forming a compact mound.

What sun exposure does Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ need?

This Spurge requires full sun conditions to maintain its best habit and coloration.

When does Spurge bloom?

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ displays its yellow blooms from May into June.

Conclusion

Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’ offers exceptional textural contrast and superb drought tolerance, making it an indispensable choice for low-maintenance gardening in sunny locales. Its striking powder-blue foliage and deer resistance ensure it remains a standout feature throughout the season. Before planting, confirm your garden provides the necessary sharp drainage, and enjoy years of vibrant color from this resilient Spurge variety.

Companion Planting

When selecting neighbors for Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’, prioritize plants that also tolerate dry conditions and full sun exposure. Plants that bloom later in the summer, such as Siberian Iris or various ornamental grasses (like Stipa tenuissima), pair well, offering sequential interest as the Spurge finishes flowering. Avoid moisture-loving companions, as grouping moisture-sensitive plants together helps reinforce the correct dry-soil environment this Euphorbia needs to flourish.

Consider planting low-growing Sedums or creeping Thyme around the base of Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’. These complementary ground covers will fill in any base gaps and share similar cultural leanings toward lean, well-drained substrates. The textural difference between the fine foliage of Thymus and the broader, blue leaves of the Spurge creates an attractive layered effect ideal for dry borders.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Early Spring Cleanup (March/April): Once new growth begins to emerge, gently clear away any winter debris from around the base of Euphorbia ‘Blue Haze’. Avoid heavy fertilization; if the soil is very poor, a light application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be beneficial before active growth starts.

Summer Maintenance (June-August): Monitor moisture levels during extreme heat waves, especially if planted in rocky soil, though typically watering is very infrequent. Deadheading the spent flower/bract clusters is optional; performing this task can sometimes encourage a very light secondary flush of color.

Autumn Transition (September/October): As foliage begins to brown or if the plant looks ragged in autumn, you can trim back the spent stems to about 3 inches above the ground. This neatening task prepares the mound for its winter dormancy, or keeps its evergreen appearance tidy in warmer zones.