How big does Wood spurge grow?

About 60 cm × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–60 cm × 30–90 cm.

What soil does Wood spurge grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Wood spurge hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Wood spurge flower?

Flowering: March–June, yellow, green.

How much water does Wood spurge need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Wood spurge

Euphorbia amygdaloides

Wood spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides) is a ground cover plant that reaches 60 cm × 90 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €6.

Illustration of Wood spurge — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An evergreen woodland perennial with dark green or purple-flushed rosettes and long-lasting lime-green flower heads in spring. It is one of the best ground covers for dry shade under trees, where little else will grow. The robbiae form runs quickly by rhizomes, so give it a place where spreading is welcome, and always wear gloves because of the irritant milky sap.

Watch out for

The crown rots in waterlogged soil, especially in wet winters. The purple-leaved 'Purpurea' is prone to powdery mildew, mainly in dry, stagnant spots, and can be short-lived. The rhizomes of the robbiae form overrun neighbouring perennials if not checked, and the species also self-seeds. Cut spent flowering stems out at the base, wearing gloves.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–June, yellow, green

Group	Ground cover
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 30–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	March–June, yellow, green
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Toxic
Typical price	from about €6

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €6

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants for shade Ground cover plants Plants for shade Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Evergreen plants

Looks good next to it

Large-flowered tickseed

Coreopsis grandiflora

Wild privet

Ligustrum vulgare

Boston ivy

Parthenocissus tricuspidata