Diamond Frost euphorbia

Sun

Full sun to partial shade; flowering is usually strongest with at least four to six hours of direct sun.

Water

Water moderately, letting the soil surface dry slightly between waterings. Established plants tolerate brief dry spells, but containers need more frequent checks.

Soil

Well-drained garden soil or a free-draining container mix; avoid soil that stays wet.

Height

1-1.5 ft (0.3-0.45 m)

Spread

1-1.5 ft (0.3-0.45 m)

Flowers

White bracts surrounding tiny flowers from late spring until frost; flowering can continue longer in frost-free conditions.

Foliage

Evergreen. Small, oval to narrow green leaves on slender, branching stems.

Growth

Fast during warm weather.

Care needed

Low

• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant
• Heat tolerant
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Easy

Toughness

Very tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   0.5 ft (0.15 m)

2. After 1 year

   1.2 ft (0.38 m)

   full size

Full size in one season.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Toxic

Native to

the US

Growth rate

Fast

• Plant outdoors after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed.
• Water at soil level when the surface begins to dry; never leave pots standing in water.
• Feed containers with a balanced liquid fertilizer at the label rate during active growth; garden plants generally need less.
• Keep mulch clear of the stems to reduce persistent dampness around the crown.
• Wear gloves when handling broken stems because the milky sap is irritating.

Pruning. Deadheading is unnecessary. If growth becomes straggly in summer, lightly trim the longest stems to restore the mound, wearing gloves and avoiding contact with the sap.

Early spring

If keeping a plant indoors over winter, move it into brighter light and gradually increase watering as new growth appears.

Late spring

Harden off plants and plant outside after the last frost.

Summer

Check containers regularly for dryness and feed while plants are actively growing.

Midsummer

Lightly trim any sprawling stems; leave spent flowers alone.

Autumn

Before frost, bring a potted plant into bright, frost-free shelter if you want to keep it.

Winter

Keep overwintered plants bright and preferably above 50°F (10°C), watering sparingly without letting the root ball dry out completely.

• Thread through mixed containers with petunias or calibrachoas to soften large flowers with a fine white haze.
• Plant along sunny border edges to soften the transition between taller bedding plants and paving.
• Use in hanging baskets, where its loose stems mingle with trailing plants.
• Repeat through white or pastel seasonal planting to link stronger shapes and colours.

Garden styles it suits: Cottage garden, White garden, Romantic rose garden, Modern courtyard, Small-space and Low-maintenance.

Plant it with: Petunias, Calibrachoas, Pelargoniums, Angelonias, Coleus and Sweet potato vine.

Wildlife: Do not rely on this cultivar as a major source of nectar or pollen; combine it with locally suitable flowering plants known to support pollinators.

• Root rot in waterlogged soil: improve drainage, empty saucers and allow the soil surface to dry slightly before watering again.
• Whiteflies, especially under cover: inspect leaf undersides and treat infestations with insecticidal soap according to the label.
• Spider mites in hot, dry, sheltered conditions: check for fine webbing and stippled leaves, then use a labelled insecticidal soap if needed.
• Cold damage or collapse after frost: delay spring planting and move plants under cover before autumn frosts.

Treat all parts as toxic to people, cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap can irritate skin and cause serious eye irritation; chewing or swallowing the plant can irritate the mouth and cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Severe poisoning is uncommon, but seek medical or veterinary advice after ingestion, and urgent advice for eye exposure.

• Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

  Baby's breath has distinct five-petalled white flowers and narrow, often grey-green leaves; Diamond Frost has tiny flowers framed by white bracts and releases milky sap when damaged.

• Breathless White euphorbia (Euphorbia hypericifolia 'Balbrewite')

  This similar bedding cultivar has a denser habit and darker foliage, often with reddish tones. Labels are more dependable than appearance when identifying young plants.

The species name hypericifolia means having leaves like Hypericum, the genus that includes St John's wort.

Propagation. Propagate from soft stem-tip cuttings in warm conditions, subject to any local plant breeders' rights restrictions. Wear gloves when taking cuttings. This cultivar is generally sterile and is not reliably raised from seed.

Accepted botanical name

Euphorbia hypericifolia

In the US and Canada

Native in the lower 48 states, Navassa Island, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Introduced in Hawaii and Pacific Basin.

Native range

Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South and Brazil Southeast.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0), USDA PLANTS and Trefle (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.